ACTOR John Nettles was joined by extras from Wallingford's theatre group during filming in the town.

The film crew returned to Wallingford to shoot another episode of TV's Midsomer Murders.

The actor was joined by members of Wallingford's Sinodun Players, during the day-long filming around Market Place.

The Players' home, the Corn Exchange, was decked with flowers and renamed the Causton Playhouse, while Payne and Son jewellers and Chessman Insurance, both in St Mary's Street, were also used in yesterday's filming.

The series' associate producer, Ian Strachan, said: "We are pleased to be here again because we know Wallingford and the Corn Exchange very well.

"Market Place is a pretty square to use. People quite liked us last time we were here, so we thought we would use the town again."

Thirty members of the Sinodun Players took part in the filming, including the Corn Exchange's general manager, John Warburton, who wore a bright green jacket for his role as a background extra.

He said: "We all really enjoyed it so much last time. But you won't see very much of us."

During filming, Inspector Barnaby - the character played by Mr Nettles - buys theatre tickets from the Corn Exchange to appease his actress daughter, and also vists the jewellers, where evidence about the story's murder is discovered.

Tables and chairs outside Chessman Insurance were used as a cafe.

The shots in Wallingford will be used in the first episode of the second series of Midsomer Murders, which is called Strangler's Wood.

The series, made by Bentley Productions, is due to be shown on ITV next year.

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