Lacock villagers have been getting into character today as they take on the part of extras in the TV drama Cranford.

They lined up with stars of the award winning series including Dame Judi Dench, Imelda Staunton, Julia Mckenzie, and Lisa Dillon.

The picturesque village High Street has been transformed for the two-part Christmas special set in Cheshire in 1844 and is back by popular demand after the script writer Heidi Thomas won best writer at the Royal Television Society Awards in 2008. The drama was also awarded Best drama Programme at the Television and Radio Industries Club Award 2008.

Around 40 villagers were chosen as extras for the two episodes of the drama .

Residents Joyce Bigwood, of West Street and Jean Bowak, of East Street were thrilled to be involved in the filming of the new series.

Mrs Bigwood said: "I absolutely love the filming in the village and it is a once in a lifetime opportunity to get involved.

"I was part of the filming last year and played a woman dressed all in black carrying a bundle of sticks. This year Jean and I are walking along the High Street with our shopping baskets playing two townspeople."

She said that despite costumes being uncomfortable and heavy it is a great experience and she loves doing it.

Producer and co-creator Sue Birtwistle who has been to the village several times for filming including Pride and Prejudice said the location is absolutely perfect.

She said: "The filming is going really really well and this is such a perfect setting for the Cranford storylines.

"The villagers are so accommodating and I think it is good to get them involved as extras and they are all pretty good at it."