A CHILDREN’S television drama for the BBC was last week filmed at locations near Knutsford.

The cast, which includes Worzel Gummidge’s Una Stubbs, descended on Jodrell Bank and nearby Bridge Farm to shoot the programme.

Ingenious tells the story of 11-year-old Sally and her friends, who search for a dragon in Cheshire.

The Jodrell Bank observatory and its iconic Lovell Telescope are a focal point of the show, which should be screened on Boxing Day.

On Monday Miss Stubbs told the Guardian that the setting, which she had not visited before, was very dramatic.

“It’s beautiful and it’s strange how the design just affects you,” said the actress, who plays Sally’s grandmother.

The story was created by award-winning author Jeanette Winterson, who wrote Oranges Are Not The Only Fruit.

It tells of Sally, who lives on a farm near Jodrell Bank with her grandmother.

She and her friends find an ancient glass bottle with a genie inside, which leads to a magical adventure and a quest to save Ruby Farm.

Meanwhile, Jodrell Bank has been picking up strange signals, believed to be a dragon.

The children meet up with local author Lucas Summer, who helps them to find the creature and the treasure it desires.

Ingenious’ crew have been at Bridge Farm for the past two weeks.

On Monday the filming moved to Jodrell Bank.

The Guardian visited the set as the crew of about 40 people were filming scenes in library.

Shouts of ‘quiet on set’ and ‘action’ could be heard in corridors where some of the world’s best astronomers usually walk.

Meanwhile, the actors found quiet corners in the observatory to rehearse their lines before they were called.

During a break Miss Stubbs said she enjoyed starring in programmes that parents and children could enjoy together.

“Jeanette’s writing for children is brilliant,” she said.

“It’s magical and it’s of a quality that parents will enjoy watching with their children.”

David Calder, who plays Lucas, told the Guardian it was refreshing to star as a nice character in a children’s drama.

The classically trained actor is used to more serious television roles in shows such as A Touch of Frost and Spooks.

“I’m normally doing classical plays or playing murderous people,” he said.

“This is more joyful because the stories involve the spirit of children.”

Mr Calder, who starred in Hollywood movie The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor, said he had been impressed by the Lovell Telescope.

“We’ve seen it every day for the past two weeks. When you get up close it’s most impressive,” he said.

Ingenious also stars Ian Puleston-Davies, of Tess of the D’urbervilles, and Christine Tremarco, of Waterloo Road.

It is directed by Brian Kelly, who led the original Doctor Who spin-off Torchwood, and produced by Rebecca Hodgson, who worked on Vincent.