A NEW miniature community has been uncovered in Dawlish.

The Dittos live in a number of tiny new homes in the town but their presence is all positive.

The fictional creatures are the brainchild of local author and filmmaker David Hardie and his sister, fellow author Diana Townsend.

The siblings have come together to bring to life ideas and stories dreamed up by David to tell entertain his children.

Now a trail of about 20 miniature houses, made by David himself, in windows and above shop doorways has been officially opened.

David, who has lived in Dawlish for 30 years, told the Gazette: ‘Many years ago I made up stories about little people in Dawlish who look after the town.

‘It was my ambition to do more with the stories.

‘But it wasn’t until a few years ago I came up with the idea of building little houses and when I was seriously ill a couple off years ago, as I recovered I was galvanised to do more.’

The Dittos are explained as being smaller than elves and less grump than gnomes and love nature and looking after the birds and animals in Dawlish.

To accompany the project, experienced author Diana has written the first of three planned books for children aged eight to 11. A series of colouring books will be available for younger children.

The siblings have both had long careers in the arts, David worked in TV and he and his sister had a business making grottos and decorations for shopping malls.

Together they also made two well-received films – Deadly Intent and Scarycrows – and used to run the popular Silverlands tourist attraction.

Diana has already written many books, which have received rave reviews, among them the ‘Me, My Family and the Poltergeist’ series.

The trail was officially launched by Mayor of Dawlish Rosie Dawson who handed out the first Trail Map.

The books will be available from The Dawlish Bookshop on Queen Street and online and the maps will be available from Presents in The Strand.