A Ribble Valley village, which is often described as looking like it’s from the 1950s, is far from being "pickled" in time according to its former parish clerk.

Downham, which lies three miles away from Clitheroe, has a population of just over 200 people.

The picturesque spot is famous for not having overhead electricity lines, aerials or satellite dishes making it a popular place for filming period dramas.

Jason Addy, who has lived in Downham for more than a decade, is quick to point out how the village’s looks can be deceiving.

He said: “I’ve got faster internet than a lot of people who live in cities.

“When it comes to technology that’s not a problem.”

The prohibition of overhead lines and other modern technology in the village is because the 2nd Lord Clitheroe, who owns the Downham estate, doesn't allow them.

The acclaimed Assheton Arms lies in the village and is a popular place for tourists to stayHow does the village keep connected in 2024? Underground cables.

“I used to live in Holland and they do the same there, you don’t get the visual clutter when everything is underground,” Mr Addy added.

Last year, the Lancashire Telegraph reported that Downham was the most stylish place to live in the county.

Mr Addy said: “It’s a pleasure to live in, it’s one of those things you don’t think about until someone points it out.

“It’s not pickled, it’s a picturesque community.”

Another unique aspect of life in Downham is that most of the houses are rented from the estate, creating what Mr Addy calls “the great leveller”.

He added: “It enables people to live in beautiful homes which are affordable compared to the rest of the Ribble Valley.”

The TV series Born and Bred and The Secret of Crickley Hall were both filmed in Downham.

It lies at the foot of Pendle Hill, in the southern section of the Forest of Bowland Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.