A NEW collection of films presenting a unique insight into the people, culture and history of a Cotswold town is to be released on DVD.

Winchcombe: A Cotswold Town is the brainchild of town resident and video producer Andrew Davies.

Mr Davies said he moved back to his hometown 16 years ago after working in London.

“That’s when I first had the idea to make this film, but had no idea how to fund it," he said.

"I still don’t but figured the years were going by so maybe I should take my own walk of faith or it would never happen."

The 60 minute DVD features 22 different stories, and includes footage of the Prescott Hill Climb, the Gloucestershire and Warwickshire Steam Railway and the Hell of the North Cotswold’s cycle event.

Other stories featured include Winchcombe pottery, open gardens Sunday and Cotswold Farm Park.

Mr Davies attempted to get behind-the-scenes by interviewing owners and organisers of events, including Lady Ashcombe at Sudeley Castle.

In one section of the film 30 presenters tell the story of the 5,000-year known history of Winchcombe from numerous locations, all in just five minutes.

Mr Davies used his nearly three decades of experience as a professional video director, to produce the film.

His documentary about the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra - Batons, Bows & Bruises - is in its sixth year of broadcast on the Sky Arts channel, while Mr Davies has also produced work for BBC Children in Need and BBC Radio 2 in the past.

The DVD is split into monthly sections, so Mr Davies needed a calender page for each part.

Instead of just using a video still, he asked 20-year-old son Ashley, an artist, to paint 12 unique oil paintings relevant for each month.

Each of the painting are for sale, either as originals or limited edition prints.

As a result of his creations, Lady Ashcombe has invited Ashley to become the new artist-in-residence at Sudeley Castle.

Friend Tim Noyes, a veteran Radio Winchcombe sound engineer has also been helping out with the production and promotion of the DVD, while Mr Davies' other son, Oliver, designed the DVD's official website, winchcombevideo.co.uk.

To fund the production Cotswold companies have been encouraged to sponsor one of the monthly sections.

To get involved visit the sponsor section of the website, where calenders originals and prints can be ordered.

The DVD can already be pre-ordered, also through the website, at winchcombevideo.co.uk, before going on sale on December 1.

Mr Davies will be at the Winchcombe late night shopping event selling the DVD, on December 6.