HEARTBEAT, the TV hit about life in the fictional North York Moors village of Aidensfield during the Sixties, has become a top-rated show - in Iran.

There is tight control over what people can watch in the Islamic state.

But Iran - accused by America of state-sponsored terrorism - has given the long-running series the official seal of approval because it does not include sex, swearing or violence.

The show, based in the real-life village of Goathland, has been decreed as "perfect family viewing" with its country cops and rustic rogues.

A spokesman for Yorkshire Television said: "The show is a big export earner for us with sales to around 35 countries. They keep wanting more."

The company has now commissioned a 13th series for 2003 because it continues to outperform other drama series.

Filming of the latest episode started this week.

YTV plans to produce 25 one-hour stories this year, and another 27 next year.

Derek Fowlds, a star of the BBC classic Yes Minister, has been in the series from the start and in almost every story.

But he will not be allowed to pull pints in the Aidensfield Arms for the next three months after badly injuring a shoulder muscle.

His right arm will be in a sling and viewers will be told he slipped and fell down the cellar.