AS filming began on a new BBC drama Years & Years in Bolton today we take a look at seven times the town has featured on the small screen.

Years & Years is the latest series to be filmed in the town, which has become a popular location with television and film companies.

Odessa Cafe in Exchange Square was closed today as cameras rolled.

Filming also took place in one of the most stunning parts of town, Le Mans Crescent, and at the entrance to the Town hall.

The show which stars Dame Emma Thompson and has been written by Russell T. Davies is due to air later this year.

In January filming for psychological thriller Bancroft took place, again using Le Mans Crescent.

Roads in and around Bolton Town Hall were cordoned off to traffic as stars of the ITV drama prepared to shoot scenes inside and outside Bolton Town Hall.

The first series averaged 6.7 million viewers and a 25.1 per cent share of the available audience ­— and was distributed internationally putting Bolton on the global stage.

Phil Collinson, producer of the first series told how he deliberately chose the town as the location for series, describing Le Mans Crescent as “incredible” with echoes of Paris or New York.

The architecture has also provided the backdrop to BBC’s Peaky Blinders starring Hollywood stars Cillian Murphy and Tom Hardy. British stars were seen filming just outside the town hall.

The road was cordoned off and vintage cars parked neatly around it, with male cast members wearing caps and carrying umbrellas.

The area had been chosen because it resembled a London street.

Game of Thrones star Emilia Clarke also visited Bolton Market for the filming of Spike Island while Life on Mars was filmed on location in Great Lever.

Shameless and Last Tango in Halifax have also been filmed in Bolton.

Bolton School was used for scenes in Last Tango in Halifax, with Sarah Lancashire filming in the landmark building.

One of the most well known is that of Peter Kay’s Phoenix Nights, which was filmed at St Gregory’s Social Club in Church Street, Farnworth — near to the comic’s own birthplace.

The spin-off Max and Paddy was also filmed in the borough.

Years and Years will be coming to BBC One in Spring