THE tourism capital of the north has once again been invaded by film-makers for a big budget television production.

Cameras are rolling in the centre of York for a major six-part BBC adaptation of Susanna Clark’s best-seller Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell.

Cast and crew are filming in and around York Minster and neighbouring St William’s College, where the clock has been turned back to the early 19th-century.

The story opens in York, and is set at the beginning of the 19th-century, when the people of England no longer believe in practical magic.

However that changes when the reclusive Mr Norrell causes the statues of the Minster to speak and move, starting a new enthusiasm for practical magic which takes in war, peace, fairies and even resurrection.

The Minster’s marketing director Nicola Bexon said: “To have such a key role at the start of this series is fantastic for York Minster.

“I am sure that the many families who visit the cathedral will be delighted to see it featuring so prominently, and we look forward to welcoming those who haven’t visited before who are inspired to come and experience it for themselves.”

Screen Yorkshire is supporting the production through its Content Fund, which helps major productions shoot in the region.

Chief executive Sally Joynson said: “Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell is the largest scale project that Screen Yorkshire has invested in.”

Award-winners Eddie Marsan and Bertie Carvel play the title characters and the show is directed by Toby Haynes.

Last year extensive filming was done in and around York for Death Comes to Pemberley and other shows recently using the city as their location include Channel 4’s Utopia and ITV’s Eternal Law.