Da Vinci Code star Tom Hanks left a cryptic note to rival anything in the best-selling novel after filming scenes for the film in Croydon.

The Oscar-winning actor appears to have left a code of his own when he finished filming at Fairfield Halls last October.

Management at Fairfield this week released an image Mr Hanks' signature which appears in the venue's autograph book, complete with a secretive scribble.

The note reads: "Ah! Croydon! Film-making! The 3 go together. Tom Hanks. The Da Vinci Code, Oct 7, 2005."

Fans of Dan Brown's intricate Catholic conspiracy may think Mr Hanks' oddly-worded doodle has a hidden meaning.

"It doesn't seem to make much sense," a source said. "The three is underlined and written as a number, as if to imply by putting the words 'Croydon, Fairfield Halls and film-making' together a new meaning is revealed.

"It could be an anagram or just a standard note he leaves in every town he visits."

Croydon Guardian staff were unable to crack the code, but after hours of anguished attempts came up with this intriguing anagram: 'Ah, if droll con film makes failing fairy hardy'.

It wouldn't be the first time The Da Vinci Code's infectious web of intrigue has captured the imagination of the public.

Last month a High Court judge who presided over the failed Da Vinci Code plagiarism case hid his own code in a written judgement using italicised letters.

Mr Hanks - who stars as the lead character Robert Langdon - and director Ron Howard came to Croydon last October to film parts of the Hollywood version of the best-selling novel.

Biggin Hill airport will feature in the film as well as Fairfield's concert hall in a scene which features more than 300 extras.

Croydon was chosen as a film location after months of negotiation by Croydon Film Commission, which promotes the borough to production crews.

Derek Barr, Fairfield's chief executive, said: "Fairfield has been used regularly in the past for audio, TV and film recordings and to be associated with a film of this scale is a great honour."

To celebrate the film's opening, Fairfield will be screening The Da Vinci Code on July 27 and 28 at 2.30pm and 7.30pm. Tickets are £5 and are available from the box office on 020 8688 9291.