Herne Bay’s history and landmarks have been brought to life in a stunning animation film based on the work of a children’s author.

Faye Beerling was approached by the Friends of Herne Bay Clock Tower group to write a book to inform children and visitors about the town’s heritage in a fun way.

She created a new set of characters, which this week made their first appearance in an animation trailer video which shows all the sights of the seafront, including the Clock Tower, the pier and the beach huts.

Ms Beerling, who lives in Beltinge, said: “It’s really lovely to see how the characters in my imagination have made it into the real version. They are not just 2D characters on a page, but are flapping around.

“I feel like a big kid, I’ve been overwhelmed by how successful it has been and the responses from followers.

“I live in Herne Bay, so it was my biggest honour to be approached by the Friends group, as I was not a very well known author.

“It’s really important for the town because it’s great for children and adults to learn about all the history of the town and how Ann Thwaytes made the Clock Tower a focal point of Herne Bay.

“Kids just love the characters and the fact they can see things like the Clock Tower or the pier, which are really there, whereas in books like Harry Potter the places don’t really exist, so it’s different.”

Her book Tales from the Clock Tower is on sale at the information centre on the seafront, and the trailer for the new film has already clocked up more than 3,000 views.

The illustrations in her book were devised by Gareth Bowler, and these have been taken by animator Sally Chittenden who has brought the characters to life.

Video: Trailer for the new Tales of the Clock Tower film

The book previously topped the list of best read children’s books on Kindle, and Ms Beerling is now hoping for similar success with her themed books about the history of Dover Castle and the Tower of London.

Ms Beerling hopes the works could even be pitched to television bosses to create new children’s programmes.

She added that the Friends of the Clock Tower group are seeking to do a big public launch for the film, in which everyone in Herne Bay will be invited.

For more information about the forthcoming launch, or to find out more about the Clock Tower, visit www.clocktowerfriends.org.