A film crew from NTV - one of the biggest commercial broadcasters in Japan - has visited the town to film an episode of 'The Path To The Dream'.

Explained production co-ordinator Kanako Hiramoto: "This series of three-minute mini-programmes is broadcast every Sunday evening, with each episode focusing on a location that inspired a story which is known - and loved - across the world.

"We are filming two episodes in Britain - Alice in Wonderland, which involved a visit to Lewis Carroll's home in Oxford, and Kirriemuir, birthplace and childhood home of J. M. Barrie, author of Peter Pan."

Kanako revealed that, although only lasting for three minutes on screen, the Peter Pan episode would require a day's filming in Kirriemuir.

"So far, we've filmed at Barrie's Birthplace, including the washing room and the garden, and we've also filmed the town from the top of Kirrie Hill, which, between rain showers, provided us with an impressive glimpse of the beautiful Angus scenery," she said. "We will also be filming the famous Peter Pan statue and all around the town centre."

Director Masashi Koide explained that, so far, he has filmed 103 episodes of these programmes and mentioned Snow White, Cinderella and, of course, Mickey Mouse as three of his most memorable episodes - but it appears that, now he's been to Kirriemuir, Peter Pan has sneaked into Masahi's list of favourite episodes.

"I'm not at all surprised that such a wonderful story of fantasy was born here in Kirriemuir," he said. "The town has such a historic atmosphere."

During the filming, Margaret Inglis, a guide at Barrie's Birthplace, was interviewed by Kanako.

During the interview, Margaret revealed how, in an attempt to cheer up his mother, devastated by the loss of her son David, J. M. Barrie would imitate his brother's voice - a snippet of information which Kanako felt would be a fascinating addition to the programme.

"Peter Pan is a very popular story in Japan so I think this will be an incredibly popular episode," Kanako said. "I'm sure this will encourage people in Japan to visit Scotland and, of course, to visit Kirriemuir."

Sandra Affleck of the Towards 2010 Steering Group was delighted to hear of the visit from the Japanese film crew.

"Hopefully, this programme will result in a lot of interest from Japan in the celebrations we are planning in 2010 to mark the 150th anniversary of Barrie's birth," said Sandra. "This programme can only be of benefit to Kirriemuir and Angus."

Kirriemuir councillor and deputy leader of Angus Council Ian Mackintosh was equally enthusiastic about Kirriemuir's forthcoming appearance on Japanese television.

"I'm confident this programme will tempt Japanese visitors to follow the path of Barrie's dream by coming to Kirriemuir," said Councillor Mackintosh. "I'm sure they will be fascinated by Kirriemuir and its Peter Pan connections and the beautiful surrounding countryside that Barrie knew so well."