BOLTON is doubling for Dorset for a new television production of Thomas Hardy's Far From The Madding Crowd.

Hall i'th' Wood is one of the locations being used for the Granada TV production which will be broadcast in four episodes in the autumn.

The TV drama comes exactly 20 years after John Schlesinger's film starring Julie Christie and Terence Stamp.

In this latest production Granada has chosen an unknown cast, with Bathsheba Everdene played by newcomer Paloma Baeza.

The pivotal role of Sgt Troy will be played by Jonathan Firth, the brother of Colin - TV's Mr Darcy from the acclaimed BBC production Pride and Prejudice.

Hall i'th' Wood, the home of Bolton's inventor of the cotton Spinning Mule Samuel Crompton, is being used for Bathsheba's farmhouse.

Director Louella Smith is just filming internal shots at the manor house, which dates back to 1483.

It's the third time Hall 'i'th' Wood has been used by Granada in television dramas.

It was previously featured in A Tale of Two Cities, starring John Mills and an episode of Sherlock Holmes, with Jeremy Brett.

Senior Custodian, Harold Farrell, explained the house would be closed to visitors until Tuesday, June 24.

He said: "The novel is set in the 19th century and they have cleverly set the scene.

"They have done a marvellous job in transforming the rooms they are using.

"I wouldn't have recognised the old place!"

Filming will also take place in Wales and the Cotswolds. They will not be filming any of the production in Hardy's home county of Dorset.

Other members of the cast include Nathaniel Parker as Gabriel Oak and Nigel Terry as Farmer Boldwood.

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