A HISTORIC Cheshire village has been taken back to war time as a popular ITV drama films at its landmark pub.

Scenes from ITV's hit drama 'Home Fires', the story of how a rural Cheshire village women's institute pulled together during the nation's darkest hour, have been filmed at The Swan pub, in Tarporley's High Street.

The tale, set in the Second World War, is based on the book 'Jambusters', written by Julie Summers, who grew up at Delamere Manor, in Cuddington, and whose parents live in Winsford.

The first series of 'Home Fires' was filmed in Bunbury and starred Samantha Bond and Francesca Annis.

Silviu Bompa, manager at The Swan, said: "We were really excited to be chosen as one of the locations for what is a really popular and well-respected drama.

"Aside from concealing a few mod-cons, the majority of the venue was left unchanged for the filming; we kept our name and the décor so the characteristics of The Swan were very much kept in their entirety.

"We’ve been offered a remarkable opportunity to showcase the beauty and the vibrant atmosphere of The Swan and the village of Tarporley to the nation, which is steeped in centuries of history.

"We would like to extend a huge thank you to our regulars who were so accommodating during the filming and, of course, to ITV for selecting us."

The Swan is a 16th century coaching inn and scenes were filmed inside its historic rooms, including the unique Hunt Room, which has been home to the Tarporley Hunt Club, Europe’s oldest hunt club, since 1762.

The exterior of the Grade 2 listed venue, the Pickering Room and the grand central staircase will also feature in the programme.

The drama is set in 1940’s during the Battle of Britain, as the German army advances through France and the war in hanging over a rural Cheshire community, akin to the village of Tarporley.

The first series averaged 6.2 million viewers and a 24 per cent share when it debuted on ITV earlier this year.

The second series is expected to be broadcast in 2016.