FAKE smoke surrounded Wallingford’s town hall during filming of a new BBC comedy.

A film crew has been occupying the Market Place, with the town hall providing a perfect backdrop for a key scene in a pilot episode for a comedy show featuring Harry Hill and David Mitchell.

The crew arrived on Monday with filming yesterday and today.

Mr Hill plays Professor Branestawm in the family film adapted by Charlie Higson, from Norman Hunter’s classic children’s books.

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If the pilot episode on BBC One is a success then a series could be made.

Town councillor Bernard Stone said: “We got a phone call from someone saying they wanted to blow up the town hall.

“But of course it soon became clear that the film company had no intention of doing that, but they did want to use the town hall for a scene in which it comes under fire.

“As a result there will be quite a few smoke machines around.

“I’m very supportive of the idea because it’s quirky and different and it’s good publicity for Wallingford. Once the programme goes out it could bring in visitors.”

Mr Stone said Wallingford has previously been used as a location for the Midsomer Murders and the Rosemary & Thyme detective series.

BBC location manager Donald Cameron said: “The town hall provides a perfect backdrop for one of the key scenes of this hour-long pilot episode.

“If a series is approved, then it could mean a return visit to Wallingford, if the town council will have us back.”

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