Coronation Street stars are keeping snug and warm thanks to a secret weapon against the cold from a Bingley clothing firm.

Fashion brand Damart has come to the rescue of the chilly cast of Britain's favourite soap opera this winter by kitting them all out in toasty thermal tops.

Coronation Street's costume department turned to Damart for help after finding the actors were suffering from the cold weather on set during their early morning and late night filming sessions.

The Bingley-based thermal specialist quickly sent over a truckload of sexy lacy-edged thermals for the soap's actresses including Kate Ford, who plays Tracy Barlow and Debra Stephenson, aka Frankie Baldwin.

Even the street's bad boy Steve McDonald isn't immune from the cold and actor Simon Gregson has been keeping warm with a long sleeved thermal top.

Ryan Thomas, who plays Jason Grimshaw, and Bill Ward - aka love cheat Charlie Stubbs - are also kitted out in thermals underneath their costumes on set.

Costume dresser at Coronation Street Jude Wroe said: "We've been dressing some of our staple characters in Damart's clothing for quite some time now, and they were our first port of call when it turned frosty."

Damart has been warming the Coronation Street cobbles as well as the viewing habits of its staff - many of whom are avid fans of the soap.

John Bottomley marketing director at Damart added: "We were delighted to get a call from the costume department, not only because it is one of our favourite shows, but because we know how cold it can be across the Pennines so we know the thermals will be put to good use.

"Many of our staff have been watching even more closely to see if they can spot what their favourite character is wearing underneath their clothes."

Damart is the world's best selling thermal clothing and underwear made using the technically unsurpassed Thermolactyl.

Its special qualities mean that a Damart thermal layer has become an essential for anyone in the know from the cast of Coronation Street to Denise Van Outen and explorer Sir Ranulph Fiennes.

e-mail: fiona.evans @bradford.newsquest.co.uk