Hollywood legend John Travolta is in East Anglia shooting a film based on a Suffolk airbase.

Grease star Travolta, who sent social media into a frenzy when he was spotted in Norfolk at the weekend, is in the region for a movie inspired by RAF Lakenheath.

East Anglian Daily Times: Security guard Gary Middleton was among those who met John Travolta at Morrisons supermarket in NorfolkSecurity guard Gary Middleton was among those who met John Travolta at Morrisons supermarket in Norfolk (Image: Gary Middleton)

The film Travolta is starring in is based on a book by Frederick Forsyth that the 68-year-old actor says he has "always loved".

The book is a 1975 novella about the pilot of a De Havilland Vampire jet travelling from RAF Celle in Germany to RAF Lakenheath in Suffolk, when his jet has an electrical failure.

The pilot encounters a De Havilland Mosquito bomber over the North Sea which has apparently been sent to shepherd him home.

East Anglian Daily Times: Novelist Frederick ForsythNovelist Frederick Forsyth (Image: PA)

The story, set in Christmas 1957, follows how the pilot is guided to a safe landing and his efforts to identify the pilot who saved him.

Travolta said in an Instagram post: " I’m here to shoot a short film called, “The Shepherd” based on a book by Frederick Forsyth that I’ve always loved."

This is not the first time a film that was based on an adaptation of one of Forsyth's books was recorded in the area as parts of The Fourth Protocol were filmed in Ipswich.

In 1986, Ipswich docks was closed off to the public, trucks were moved in and big cameras were set up with props and cars all in place for a day of filming, which featured Michael Caine.

Two helicopters were flown in to make an entrance, travelling past the Orwell Bridge and other Suffolk landmarks.

East Anglian Daily Times: Two helicopters flew onto The Wet Dock at Ipswich after flying through the legs of the Orwell Bridge during filming for the Fourth ProtocolTwo helicopters flew onto The Wet Dock at Ipswich after flying through the legs of the Orwell Bridge during filming for the Fourth Protocol (Image: Archant)

In the film, Caine played an MI5 officer called John Preston and worked opposite Pierce Brosnan, who starred in the role of KGB officer Valeri Petrofsky.

The 68-year-old was seen in Morrisons in Fakenham on Saturday, meeting fans and taking pictures.

Gary Middleton, a part time secruity guard at the store, said: "Once people realised who it was they all started to get excited," he said. "He was quite smart-looking, well built and very polite to all the staff here."

He was also seen enjoying a meal at a Wetherspoon pub in Dereham and a meal at Erpingham House, in Norwich.