KERRY Matthews is embarking on a dream come true for any ambitious film-maker. From Monday, the former Burnham pupil starts filming her first period sitcom pilot with a strong West Country flavour.

Kerry, 23, who grew up in the seaside town and went to Burnham Infants and King Alfred Schools, is studying for her MA Producing Film and Television at Bournemouth University.

Her pilot, ‘Buccaneers’, Kerry’s biggest project to date, is about a group of pirates forced to retire in a British port after their ship is stolen.

Once it is polished, Kerry will start pitching Buccaneers to broadcasters and independent production companies in the hope of getting a full series commission.

So what inspired her to get into film? Kelly tells the Weekly News: “I was an extra in my favourite TV show, Rosie and Jim, aged six, and was fascinated by what happened off-screen and what happened between shooting the small scene I was a part of and watching the finished product.

“It wasn't until going to university that I tried out making my own films and TV shows, and realised how much I enjoyed it.

“I've always loved film, and filmmakers who do things differently such as Tim Burton and Wes Anderson, but I grew up watching comedy on television, sketch shows, panel shows, sitcoms, and really loved shows like Blackadder, The Vicar of Dibley and Fawlty Towers so have decided to focus on making TV comedy.”

Filming is taking place across a number of South West locations – albeit none in Somerset – until July 2.

To donate to Kerry’s film project click the ‘donate’ button on the www.buccaneerstv.co.uk website, and follow the project’s progress at www.facebook.com/|buccaneersitcom