SIDMOUTH is a well-known location for film and TV producers but the town has now been immortalised in a bestseller thriller book. Written by acclaimed novelist Dick Francis and his son, Felix, the book, called Silks , mentions Sidmouth a number of times

SIDMOUTH is a well-known location for film and TV producers but the town has now been immortalised in a bestseller thriller book.

Written by acclaimed novelist Dick Francis and his son, Felix, the book, called 'Silks', mentions Sidmouth a number of times.

The protagonist, called Geoffrey Mason, sends his dad to Sidmouth, out of the way of the 'baddy', Julian Trent.

His father stays in the Victoria Hotel, which Geoffrey pays for and concluded it "wasn't cheap".

The literary mention of the hotel was only recently discovered by its staff.

Matthew Raistrick, area director of Brend Hotels, which owns the Victoria Hotel, said: "We are delighted that the authors have chosen to mention the Victoria Hotel especially as the book is an international best seller.

"I can't recall Dick Francis or his son visiting the hotel but the novels are certainly very popular with our guests."

Ian Cole, manager of the Tourist Information centre, said he was not aware Sidmouth was cited in the book but said it has been used as a location in various publications.

The town has featured in literary works, including 'Stymouth' in Beatrix Potter's children story The Tale of Little Pig Robinson.

Sidmouth is also the inspiration for 'Idmouth' in West Wessex, created by Thomas Hardy in his book, Wessex.

'Baymouth' was based on the town in William Makepeace Thackeray's Pendennis and 'Spudmouth' in The Merry Adventures of Robin Hood by Howard Pyle.