IT WAS lights, camera action at Arley Hall where Granada has been filming the next series of the ITV drama The Forsyte Saga.

The grounds were filled with camera crews, trailers and lighting equipment and the actors in the series, based on John Galsworthy's To Let trilogy.

With its ancient history and more than 100 acres of picturesque gardens and parklands Arley Hall, near Appleton Thorn, was the perfect setting for the 1920s' period drama.

Granada spent the past two weeks at Arley Hall and used Lord Ashcroft's private house and parts of the gardens for filming.

Stars including Damian Lewis (Soames) Gina McKee (Irene) from the first series and new cast member Emma Griffith Malin (Fleur) have been filming inside the stately home.

Mick Graham, location manager for The Forstye Saga, said: "We chose Arley Hall because it was perfect for the period.

"The gardens are fantastic too and it is supposed to be set in Green Park in London and parts of the gardens look similar.

"The rooms are beautiful and again are similar to those you might find in an expensive house on Park Lane, London."

Arley Hall is certainly not camera shy as the splendid area has been used as a setting for several television programmes including Coronation Street, The Adventures of Sherlock Homes and part of the gardens were used in the first series of The Forsyte Saga.

Judy Popley, marketing manager, said: "We are always delighted to welcome television companies into Arley Hall.

"We are delighted to have The Forstye Saga crew back and we're looking forward to working with them again."