Enid Blyton's Magic Faraway Tree books are being brought to the big screen by Sam Mendes' production company.

Neal Street Productions, whose credits include Call The Midwife and the Oscar-nominated Revolutionary Road, will make a live action film based on the books.

Blyton wrote the stories, about a group of children and their adventures in a magical forest which is home to a gigantic tree, between 1939 and 1951.

Pippa Harris from Neal Street Productions said: "The Magic Faraway Tree is one of the most loved children's books series from an iconic author whose work has been adored by generations. To be able to adapt these for the big screen is incredibly exciting."

Blyton, best known for her Famous Five and Secret Seven books, died in 1968 but her books have remained popular and have sold more than 500 million copies and been translated into more than 40 languages.

Marlene Johnson, head of the Enid Blyton Estate, said: "Enid Blyton was a passionate advocate of children's storytelling, and The Magic Faraway Tree is a fantastic example of her creative imagination.

"It's a much loved title, so we're very excited to announce we've signed an option agreement for development of The Magic Faraway Tree film with Neal Street Productions.

"Many generations have grown up with The Magic Faraway Tree and today's news provides a great chance to share the wonder of these stories through a new medium."

Neal Street Productions are behind the successful safe show of Charlie And The Chocolate Factory and the award-winning Shakespearean adaptation, The Hollow Crown, for the BBC.