Yorkshire village may host TV reality series

Grassington is in the running to host the Channel 4 television series which would select newcomers to move to the village for several weeks.

And the London-based TV production company Studio Lambert, which is behind the series, has moved to quell fears that "Asbo" families and criminals will be introduced into the close-knit community.

In a letter to residents yesterday executive producer Jamie Isaacs, at Studio Lambert said: "We are aware that rumours are circulating to the effect that we intend to introduce into the community of Grassington "Asbo" families or people who we know are active criminals.

"There is absolutely no foundation to these rumours and we have no intention of deliberately disrupting the good law and order of Grassington."

Mr Lambert said that the company was "struck by Grassington and its strong sense of community and civic pride, its beauty and its proximity to nearby towns in Yorkshire".

He added: "The local residents' enthusiasm for their life in Grassington will be a key factor in making the series interesting and engaging.

"We were also struck by the enthusiasm that many of the local businesses had for the possibility of the TV series and further encouraged by the diverse and vibrant life of the village."

A group of villagers will mentor the newcomers and residents will be invited to help decide who will ultimately live in Grassington.

A Channel 4 spokesman said the village was the "preferred location at the moment but it is not a done deal".

The series, which has the working title The Village, is due to air next year.