Excitement as filming of BBC Happy Valley series takes place in Thornton

Thornton residents gathered on Market Street, after receiving a notice through their doors warning them that TV crews would be filming the Yorkshire-based Happy Valley series on their doorsteps.

Film production vehicles lined the streets from the early morning, and clusters of people began to gather as they eagerly waited to see if they could spot a star.

Happy Valley super-fans, Julie Barker and her husband had even travelled from Halifax and took the day off work to see if they could spot their favourite actor Sarah Lancashire, who plays the part of Catherine Cawood - a strong-willed police sergeant, on set.

Film crews prepared for filming

Julie said: "We just love the show, we loved the last series and we can't wait for the next series. We travel around a bit to watch the filming, I just love seeing how much goes into the production and it makes you appreciate it a lot more when you see it on TV."

"We met Sarah Lancashire once after she recognised us from one of the sets, and she came and took a picture with us. She's lovely."

Film crew and local residents gathered to watch

Although the much-anticipated Sarah Lancashire never made an appearance, excitement arose when a grey Range Rover pulled up and Siobhan Finneran, who plays Clare Cartwright - a recovering heroin addict, hopped out. Sally Wainwright, the writer and creator of the show also made an appearance.

The short scene that was filmed on Market Street involved Siobhan walking down the road, talking on a mobile phone before waiting at a bus stop with signage that had been replaced to read 'Cooper's Hill Avenue.'

Siobhan Finneran arriving on set

Street and business signs had also been replaced by crew to ensure it looks authentic on screen.

Staff at Thornton Dental Care on Market Street explained that the film crew were at their door at eight this morning, to replace their sign with one that read 'Dovedale Prescription Collection and Delivery.'

Funeral directors, Joseph A. Hey & Son Ltd across the road had also been tampered with.

Make-shift signs for businesses on the street

This is the first time filming of Happy Valley has taken place in Thornton, but the crew often film nearby in places such as Hebden Bridge and Sowerby Bridge.

David Wilson Director of Bradford UNESCO City of Film commented: "There are a number of really high-quality TV dramas filming across West Yorkshire at the moment and often they will cross borders from one local authority to another. Baildon in Bradford district hosted some elements of Happy Valley in the first series so we are delighted to see the production back in the locality."