A MILITARY training area in north of Winchester served as the action-fuelled backdrop for the Hollywood latest summer multi-million dollar blockbuster.

The former army base in Barton Stacey was transformed into a battleground setting for Tom Cruise's film Edge of Tomorrow which sees him combating aliens in a fight for the survival of mankind.

The film is the latest star vehicle to be shot in Hampshire which has seen, in the first half of this year alone, producers spend more than £6 million while shooting, bringing significant benefits to local firms.

Cast and crew, set up camp for two weeks while they shot scenes for the $178-million movie, which sees Cruise and British co-star Emily Blunt protect humanity against an alien invasion.

Filming for the blockbuster was facilitated through a county council service called Film Hampshire, which promotes the county as the perfect film location, as well as providing film makers with a valuable free location finding service.

Edge of Tomorrow had an estimated budget of £544,000 while filming in the Andover area in November and December.

It is the latest in a long line of high-profile productions filmed in Hampshire and follows James Bond epic Skyfall, Brad Pitt zombie thriller World War Z, Hugh Jackman and Anne Hathaway musical Les Miserables as well as Downton Abbey.

Councillor Seán Woodward, Hampshire County Council executive member for economy, transport and environment, said Film Hampshire plays a significant role in attracting investment and tourism to the county.

He said: “Once again, Hampshire has been the setting for another big-budget film.

“By promoting Hampshire locations to film makers we can increase opportunities for local businesses while the cast and crew are here, as well as support tourism from film-lovers visiting famous movie locations.

“The tourism sector plays a vital role in our local economy, generating well over £3 billion each year and providing more than 60,000 jobs.”

Hampshire has some 400 film locations on its books, including 40 historic country houses, 25 parks and plenty of woodland and beaches.

Filming in the county brings in benefits all round, raising Hampshire's international profile, while bringing in revenue to a large number of county firms which provide services to the film industry while they are here.