ACTRESS Maxine Peake told of her delight at filming in the Peak District - years after walking in the area with her mother.

The 40-year-old, who went to Canon Slade Sixth Form, spent months filming on location in Derbyshire earlier this year, for the second series of The Village which began on Sunday.

The actress, who plays Grace Middleton in the BBC period drama, has fond memories of exploring the area with her late mother Glynis.

She said: “My mum used to be a member of the Ramblers’ Association, so we walked the Kinder Scout and Jacob’s Ladder when I was 11 or 12.

“It is extraordinary and beautiful and I am so glad doing this series has re-introduced me to the Peak District. ”

The Village charts the life and turbulent times of a northern village in the 20th century and the upcoming series begins in 1923, looking at life after World War One.

John Simm plays her on-screen husband and newcomer Tom Varey, aged 23, has been cast as the pair’s son Bert. Maxine, who went to Westhoughton High School, said: “Grace is at the farm where we left her, with John and a now grown-up Bert and 11-year-old daughter.

“The farm’s taken a bit of a turn upwards and things have picked up.

“There’s more hope and prospects for the farm. As the series progresses the farm life, Grace’s life and the youngsters’ lives progress.

“Electricity has come in and there are a few little gadgets, too – we get a milking machine – so new technology is affecting people’s lives and the farm seems to pick up.

“Grace finds her voice this series which was a joy to play someone working through a political awakening.

“I feel it is important to play characters with something to say about life or politics, although I wouldn't mind being in a piece and being the other end of the political scale as long as the script is saying something.

“It's about the story, not who I play.”

The Village is on BBC One at 9pm on Sunday.