Tom Cruise's devotion to Scientology was reportedly nurtured at a low-key southern California desert compound which catered to his needs 24 hours a day.

The MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE star undertook intensive study and counselling at the compound in the late 1980s and early 1990s, according to the Los Angeles Times newspaper.

Behind the guarded gates of the 500-acre compound near Hemet, Cruise had a personal supervisor to oversee his studies in a private course room, claim former members.

BRUCE HINES, who left Scientology in 2001 after three decades in the church, tells the publication, "I was there for eight years and nobody stayed long at all, except for Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman during that period."

The ex-church members say Cruise stayed in a bungalow near a golf course and had a special staff to prepare his meals, do his laundry and handle other tasks around the clock.