Locals rub shoulders with Hollyood during filming for Sir Ridley Scott's Robin Hood

Those lucky enough to have a small part in Ridley Scott’s Robin Hood remake have been awestruck by the magnificent film set at Freshwater West, while onlookers have commented on Russell Crowe’s friendly and down-to-earth nature between takes.

Cate Blanchett, who plays Maid Marion in the film alongside Crowe, was spotted shopping and having lunch in Narberth last week.

Meanwhile, the film’s leading man Russell Crowe impressed diners at Carew Inn when he broke into song after enjoying a meal at the restaurant.

Despite rumours of daily helicopter transfers to the set, the Oscar winning Aussie actor is believed to be staying on site and his appearance at Carew Inn made for a welcome surprise.

Staff in the restaurant’s kitchen were amazed when he popped in to thank them afterwards and signed autographs, before leaving a rather generous £350 tip.

"We were thrilled to bits that he chose to come to us. He was so pleasant and we are just pleased that he enjoyed himself," said proprietor Mandy Scourfield.

"They made a booking before coming and they mentioned to the waitress who took the call that Russell Crowe would be among the party."

"She was asked to keep it quiet and she didn’t tell any of us so it was a lovely surprise when he turned up."

Instead of making a prompt exit from the restaurant after settling the bill, Russell delighted staff when he reached for his guitar and began singing hit tunes by the Everly Brothers as well as the folk classic Leaving On a Jet Plane.

Crowe and his co-stars tucked into a feast of mussels and chicken dishes before breaking into the impromptu gig. Joining him in the singsong were ER actor Scott Grimes and X-men star Kevin Durand.

"He stayed a good while with his friends and bodyguards – everybody was very friendly and down-to-earth," said Mandy.

"The tip will be shared between all the staff who worked that night."

Haverfordwest couple Brian and Jean Newell had a close encounter with Russell Crowe when he shook hands with the pair during a cigarette break.

Having found the security crew to be extremely helpful on their day visit to the set, this was the icing on the cake for the couple from Tudor Gardens.

"He was a lovely man, really down to earth," said Brian. "You get the impression from stories in the papers that he is quite rude and abrupt but he’s nothing of the sort."

Jean said: "We saw him coming up the dunes near us and Brian asked him: ‘Have you got a minute?’"

"He rushed up and shook our hands and he was explaining all about the filming they were doing.

"There were only about a dozen of us in that part of the dunes. He wasn’t intimidating at all – it was just like I was talking to Brian," she added.

Crowe also left a favourable impression with bystanders on set.

Andrew Nelmes, of Spittal, was in the heart of the action, playing one of the medieval oarsmen in Robin Hood.

He watched as helicopters hovered above the battle scenes. He and fellow rowers from Newport Boat Club heaved through high surf, ducked imaginary arrows and lay face down in the sea for as long as they could without drowning.

Speaking about her husband’s experiences last week, Dawn Nelmes said: "He was called out to film three times and at one point was only a couple of yards away watching as Robin Hood saved Maid Marion from drowning."

"Everyone seems to like Russell on set. He’s no movie diva, just one of the lads," she said.

Hetta Galdo, of Llangwm, told the Western Telegraph that it wasn’t only men involved as extras in the production. She and a handful of other women were cast as wenches living in the medieval village.

"There was a girl from Roch, one from Treffgarne, two from Manorbier and a couple from Bridgend and Swansea," she said.

"They filmed Russell Crowe riding through the village and we had to all look up at him.

"He spoke to me to tell me to move over a little bit," she laughed.