Old newspaper stories have provided the inspiration behind a haunting short film of love and tragedy being shot in Helston and the surrounding area.

Flambards and Rinsey Cove near Porthleven both appear as locations, as well as Penryn's Tremough Campus, Healey's Cornish Cyder Farm near Truro and a private house in Mabe.

Director Charles Savage, whose career as a director and producer in theatre and writer in film and stage spans more than 35 years, has written the script for the film that spans a century from 1914 to 2014.

It was after he stumbled across historic newspaper clippings telling the story of a woman who disappeared upon receiving the news that her husband was missing in action in the First World War.

To bring to life the story of Eve Morland, newly married to Jack who is called up to serve in the 'war to end all wars', Mr Savage, who is also director of the Royal Cornwall Poly Arts Centre in Falmouth, has collaborated with actresses Eloise Oliver (playing Eve), Sylvi Kim and Suzie Frances Garton to produce it.

Actor Tomm Barber-Duffy plays Jack, while Helston local Angie Burnett is production manager and her eight-year-old daughter Shannon also takes on a role.

Ms Burnett said: “The devastation real women felt when they lost their husbands or partners in the war has never really been told and this is what we aim to showcase.

“The short film will be taken to the Cannes Film festival where it is hoped it will attract support to help the feature length version to be made next year.”

The film is shot in the style of an English ghost story, with the once beautiful Cornish apple orchard where the couple had lived deserted for 100 years, keeping a dark secret until Annie, a painter who has moved to Cornwall to escape the pace of London life, begins to unearth the tragedy buried under an apple tree.

Ms Burnett added: “It has been a fantastic experience working with all of the crew, location scouting, finding props and period costumes and even playing a small acting part as a milliner.”

The team behind the film have not taken any fees and would be keen to hear from any potential sponsors.

Visit www.theappletreefilm.co.uk to find out more or to support the project.