OTTERY is set to feature in hit BBC2 show Escape To The Country after filming took place in the town on Tuesday.

OTTERY is set to feature in hit BBC2 show Escape To The Country after filming took place in the town on Tuesday.

The programme, which helps prospective buyers find their dream home in the country, is due to air later this year.

Ottery could find itself the star turn thanks to a warm welcome from a raft of local characters, including town guide for the day Richard Coley, and glorious sunshine which greeted production staff.

Alison and Greg Treveylan, a Hertfordshire couple in search of an East Devon home on the show, were shown four properties in different areas of the region this week. Ottery was the couple's first port of call an they said it would take some beating.

Ottery resident of 40 years Richard, 72, showed the couple the town's sights, including Charter's House and the parish church, and even treated them to a spot of bell-ringing.

"It's a lovely, pretty and gorgeous area", impressed, Exeter born Greg told the Herald, adding: "I'm looking to come back to my roots and this is very nice to see. This is exactly what we are looking for, a place with local shops and a close-knit community."

"It's been the best day of the year so far" said Alison, "I love it. We've met really great and friendly people and a good community."

Appointed town guide Richard, who lives in Ridgeway, looked every inch the natural in front of the cameras and said:

"I have to admit done it a couple of times before."

"Phyllis (Baxter, Ottery Tourist Information Centre manager) knew I was involved with the bell-ringers and asked me to organise a demonstration.

"Then BBC rang me and asked me to show the young couple around and show them the town's attractions so I ended up doing it all.

"I told them about the Tar Barrels and the town's history as the birthplace of Samuel Taylor Coleridge.

"They (Greg and Alison) seemed to enjoyed it, although a lot of the interviews took several takes and it took a long time to film what will probably be three or four minutes on the screen.