A CORNISH actress has returned home to star in a feature film being made in the county.

Twenty-two-year-old Frances Speedie, who grew up in Devoran, is currently working on Golden Brown, directed by Sharon Sheehan and due to be released in spring 2009.

Frances said: "This is a great opportunity for me to combine the two things I love best – Cornwall and my work.

"Sharon's put together a terrific team and we've had so much fun filming in some of my favourite places, including the Helford River and Prussia Cove.

"In one scene I had to wander barefoot along the beach in a sleeveless lace dress, as though it was midsummer.

"In reality, it was absolutely freezing, the crew were all bundled up in warm jackets, and I was so cold I could have cried, but that's acting.

"It's not always glamorous! You just have to get on with it!"

Golden Brown is about troubled young man David, played by Dale Brickhill, who gets into all sorts of extreme situations.

The director is in negotiations with Sir Richard Attenborough, whom she hopes will play a wise old fisherman who tries to set him straight.

Frances said: "I play Vicky, David's childhood sweetheart, and Jenny Agutter plays my stepmother who has a hand in us getting back together.

"It's amazing having such great actors on board, although I only had scenes with Dale – so perhaps I'll meet them at the premiere."

Frances went to primary school in Devoran, and then Penair in Truro. She also went to Truro College to study a BTec in performing arts, before gaining a place at ArtsEd in London.

She said: "Mrs Bridger was my drama teacher at school, so I hope she gets to see the film.

"I had wonderful training in Cornwall. I danced all week at Jason Thomas's dance studio in Truro and he worked us really hard. It was brilliant, he's a fantastic teacher. I have to live in London now, because I go for auditions there every week but I love to come home every chance I get.

"Leaving Cornwall was hard; I spent most of my time here either in or on the water, body boarding on the north coast beaches, or sailing on the south coast, so it's pretty strange living so far inland."