ACTOR Simon Jones, who achieved intergalactic fame as Arthur Dent in The Hitchhikers' Guide to the Galaxy, has fond memories of growing up near Malmesbury.

The 54-year-old , who now divides his time between living in New York and London. grew up on an estate in Charlton where his father Reg was agent to local landowner the Earl of Suffolk and his mother was president of the WI.

The BBC's involvement with the cult classic began in 1978 with the original Radio 4 series, which led to the best selling novels.

Five years later the BBC aired a Bafta-winning television version with Mark Wing-Davey and Simon reprising their radio roles as Zaphrod Beeblebrox and Arthur Dent.

He is currently appearing in the fourth series, on Radio 4 on Tuesday nights at 6.30pm.

But he spent the first 15 years of his life in Malmesbury.

Mr Jones said: "I still have good friends in Malmesbury and like to pop down occasionally. I was appaled when the Suffolk Arms pub went a few years ago."

Surrounded by this peaceful and playful environment, Mr Jones said he feels sure it fuelled his imagination and ultimately led him to become an actor.

After attending King's School in Taunton Mr Jones went to Cambridge University to study law until his tutor sternly told him he was clearly incompetent for the subject and should study English instead.

At Cambridge, Mr Jones met Douglas Adams, who was to become his lifelong friend. Mr Jones said: 'I was the only person who thought Douglas' sketch was funny. I got him into the footlights and he was at my wedding. I miss him dreadfully he had a quirky sense of humour and would often ring me up out of the blue."

In the new Hollywood blockbuster Mr Jones has a cameo role as a radio announcer and he feels overall the American producers have done a good job with this very British science-fiction story.

Mr Jones said: 'I think the new movie gives a good visual picture and they've done a pretty good job, however some of the witty jokes have gotten lost.'

Mr Jones has enjoyed an illustrious acting career appearing on Broadway and the West End. His movie credits include Monty Python's The Meaning of Life, 12 Monkeys and The Devil's Own. He also played Sir Walter Raleigh in Blackadder.