IT is the fictional 1960s town where a friendly face is always round the corner and a crime never goes unsolved.
Now the man whose books inspired Heartbeat has produced a behind the scenes expose, opening the lid on production of this evergreen favourite.
The book, Heartbeat...The Story Behind the Series, has been written by Nicholas Rhea, the author and retired North Yorkshire police officer whose series of Constable books, inspired the show.
The book is illustrated with original photographs taken on set and will chart the abundance of colourful characters, such as Claude Jeremiah Greengrass, played by Bill Maynard.
First screened in April 1992 and now boasting more than 350 episodes, Heartbeat became popular as a result of its powerful storylines, gentle humour and the stunning countryside in which it is set. During its first year, it averaged 14.5 million viewers.
It has since been sold around the world and is now screened in countries as diverse as Australia, Canada, Norway, Finland, China, Liechtenstein and Iran.
Charlotte Park, of publishers Mortons Books, said: "The thousands of loyal fans of the famous Yorkshire-based drama will now have a book that encompasses it all – the bikes, the music and the fantastic storylines.
"This long-awaited tribute not only charts the success of the show but delves deep behind the scenes, both in the studio and on location, meeting the people and places which have contributed to the series' sensational popularity."
Author Nicholas Rhea became a writer after serving with North Yorkshire Police for 30 years.
He was born in Glaisdale and joined the force as a beat bobby in Whitby in 1956 eventually reaching the rank of inspector.
www.mortonsbooks.co.uk/heartbeat