THERE was much excitement as scenes filmed in one quiet North East village aired on ITV's hit-show Vera, earlier this week.

Eagled-eyed viewers may have spotted Matfen, near Hexham, as Brenda Blethyn and cast returned for another episode of crime solving.

The dramatic episode, which was the first of four to air this year, went down a storm on Sunday as millions of viewers tuned in.

Read more: 6 filming locations you might have recognised in last night's ITV Vera

And now, those who were involved in filming in the Northumberland village have revealed their excitement - using their cameo appearance to their advantage.

The North of Tyne Mountain Rescue Team, which relies on donations and grants and does not receive any further support, had taken part in filming in the village in May.

The team of volunteers and vehicles - and dogs - had sprung into action to film the fictional search of a missing 13-year-old.

But that was not before, members of the crew got the chance to meet the star-studded cast and pose for pictures.

Releasing a statement after the episode aired on Sunday, they said: "We were involved in the fictional search for a missing child.

"Although the incident was fictional in this case, we regularly search for missing people, including children.

Read more: When DCI Vera Stanhope will return for another action packed episode on ITV

"We receive no funding other than kind donations and grant applications, so we’d very much appreciate it if you could help out."

On social media, the team shared pictures of their dogs with Blethyn and Kenny Doughty, who plays DS Aiden Healy in the show.

And it seems their efforts have paid off as a Facebook donation page appeared to show £300 had been raised by a number of people in the last 24 hours.

To view more about the mountain rescue team click here

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