FILMING of a new big-screen version of children’s literary classic ‘Swallows and Amazons’ has been delayed until 2014.

The Arthur Ransome tale, first published in 1930, was due to showcase Lake District locations including Coniston Water, Windermere, Ullswater and Derwentwater.

Shooting was due to take place from July to September this year – but fans will now have to wait a little longer to see the 21st century re-make featuring Downton Abbey star Dan Stevens as James Turner, nicknamed Captain Flint.

The plot centres on the outdoor adventures of the Walker and Blackett children, and is said to be inspired by Ransome’s own childhood summer holidays in the Lakes.

Producer Nick Barton, from Harbour Pictures, confirmed that the filming dates had been put back but would not state the reasons behind the deferral.

“We are still working on setting the film up for next year and now hope to start in spring 2014,” he said.

“The delay was due to a number of factors but we still intend to go into production.”