An American film producer is planning to make what has been described as the "quintessential Loch Ness Monster story", it emerged today.

Philadelphia author Steve Alten's seventh novel, The Loch, is set to be made into a horror movie by David Foster, producer of films including The Mask of Zorro, according to an announcement on the writer's official website.

The best-selling fiction author said a manuscript for the film had been finished and he was hoping to finalise a studio and publishing deal shortly.

The film is planned to be produced by Foster and his colleague Ryan E Heppe, in conjunction with Alten's long-time literary managers, Atchity Entertainment International (AEI).

Foster, who said he could not put Alten's book down, was chosen because of his long-time fascination with the Loch Ness Monster.

Alten stated: "The manuscript is finished, and those who've read it believe it to be the quintessential Loch Ness Monster story, heavily researched, backed by real science, wrapped around a page-turning plot."

Alten's first best-selling novel, Meg, about a 65ft prehistoric shark prowling the modern day seas, sold more than one million copies worldwide and The Loch is expected to hit book stores early next year.

The author is known for getting his fans involved in his work and the Loch was no exception. The book originated from a poll he set up to decide upon his next literary subject and the finished work featured some of his readers as characters.

News of the impending film production came after it was revealed yesterday by the Highlands and Islands Film Commission that Hollywood's interest in the region boosted the local economy by about £8 million over the last year.

The Highlands have served as the setting for a number of large productions, the most recent being the Harry Potter films.