FILM-MAKER Andrea Arnold is the toast of north Kent after winning an Oscar for her Dartford-based movie.

The former children's television presenter won the award for Best Live Action Short Film' at the glittering Hollywood ceremony on Sunday night.

Her film Wasp, which is set on the tough Fleet estate where she grew-up, beat four other movies to the top accolade.

Receiving one of the famous statuettes from former Oscar winner Jeremy Irons, Miss Arnold said it was "the dog's bollocks".

The film, which features local acting talent, was shot in Temple Hill in 2003, and is about a poor single mum who bumps into an old flame.

The film, which was written and directed by Miss Arnold, cost just £50,000 to make and has already won 30 international awards.

Her proud dad John Arnold, of Craigie Court, Dartford, said: "I'm thrilled for her, it's absolutely incredible. It's the highest achievement in her field, judged by her peers.

"You don't expect to have an Oscar winner in the family."

Mr Arnold, 65, a chief officer for Age Concern, spoke to his daughter in Los Angeles on Monday morning.

He said: "She seemed so nonchalant. I've spoken to her sister and brothers, they're all delighted."

Accepting her Oscar, Miss Arnold said: "It's a long way from Dartford. This is truly overwhelming. I'm not really used to this kind of thing. I'd like to thank everyone who worked on the film.

"Everyone worked extremely hard. They know who they are. The beers are on me when we get home. In English, I'd say this is the dog's bollocks."

Miss Arnold went to Fleetdown Junior School later The Downs School, now Leigh City Technology College.

She went on to star in the 1980s' children's TV series Number 73 with comedian and radio presenter Sandi Toksvig.

The 44-year-old now lives in Greenwich with her daughter, 10 year-old Coral.

Speaking last year, she paid tribute to north Kent, saying: "I grew up in Dartford and spent a total of 30 years living in Kent. Everything I write is around here Gravesend, Dartford, Erith. It's where my roots are, and I have a huge affection for it."

Council leader Councillor Kenneth Leadbeater says the Oscar winner has put Dartford at centre stage in the showbiz world.

He said: "Getting an Oscar is a fantastic achievement for Andrea and I congratulate her on behalf of the borough for her success.

"For a moment all eyes in Hollywood were on Dartford because of a young woman who grew up on the Fleet Estate and made a short film in Temple Hill."