Screen goddess Elizabeth Taylor has paid a nostalgic tribute to a village which provided the backdrop to her ascent to stardom.

Dame Elizabeth was just 12 when she starred in the 1944 film, National Velvet, based on the novel by Rottingdean author Enid Bagnold.

The Hollywood star, who has visited the village twice, has sent a message of support ahead of this year's Rottingdean Village Fair in which she said: "I am proud of my connection with this enchanted corner of the world."

In Bagnold's book the main character - played by Dame Elizabeth - was based on Enid's 13-year-old daughter Laurian and much of the setting is recognisable as her home village.

Dame Elizabeth visited Rottingdean in preparation for her role when she was just 12 and remained good friends with Enid, returning at least once more to the village in 1955.

Lady Helena Hughes, the president of the village fair, heard of Rottingdean's link to Hollywood and penned a letter to Dame Elizabeth earlier this year explaining that the theme of this year's fair was the world of film and that National Velvet would be represented in a cavalcade.

Lady Hughes said: "I wrote to her in the hope she would write a letter of good wishes back to the village. To my surprise she not only did that but sent a signed photo as well. I am so pleased."

Dame Elizabeth, who is most famous for her screen roles in Cleopatra and Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf as well as her off-screen romances and seven husbands, wrote: "I am happy to send this greeting to the beautiful village of Rottingdean, England ... I owe a great debt to Enid Bagnold, author of National Velvet. As a child this was my favourite book. I loved that story and as an actress I was thrilled to land the leading role."

Fair organiser Marjorie Hampton said: "For the older generations who really know of her it gives them more pride in Rottingdean."

The fair takes place on August 6. It will be opened by William and Mary star Julie Graham.