A MOTORSPORT venue near Worcester is featuring in a new episode of the popular BBC1 programme Father Brown.

The hit TV show, which follows the antics of a Catholic sleuth priest created by novelist GK Chesterton, is returning for a second series and is being filmed at various locations in the Cotswolds.

But the historic location of Shelsley Walsh Hill Climb, which has been a racing venue since 1905, proved such a hit with producers that it has been chosen as one of the locations.

And some of the club members have even been roped in as extras during the three days of filming which finish today.

Mark Constanduros, commercial manager, said most of the venue had been used for one of the episodes.

“Shelsley fits in very well.

They are utilising the old buildings on site. It looks fantastic. There’s all sorts of skulduggery taking place and even members of the club have been roped in as extras and have had their beards shaved off to put them into the period.

“It’s been a great sort of family affair having the film crew here. We’ve got what resembles a small village, like a big boys camp. They chose us really because of our location and the views and the history.”

Actor Mark Williams, famous for his role as Arthur Weasley in the Harry Potter movies, returns in the lead role, aided by his nononsense parish secretary Mrs McCarthy, played by Sorcha Cusack.

“We’re delighted to have them here,” added Mr Constanduros. “It’s great to have it in Worcestershire.”

The day-time series was first filmed in the Cotswolds last year and attracted 2.5 million viewers and has been repeated on BBC2.