TV and film production is set to boost Lancashire' economy by up to £4million this year, despite the makers of one hit series reducing time spent in the county.

Lancashire's Film Office made the prediction after applying for funding from Lancashire County Council. The authority has agreed to give it £30,000 to help it continue its work in attracting new productions to the county.

A report to Coun Tony Martin, who authorised the grant, stated that the county's charms are proving popular with film makers using the region for their programmes boosting the local economy.

It highlighted the BBC's Born and Bred series, set in Downham, which will begin shooting its third series in the Ribble Valley in June, and will return for a fortnight in August.

But all the interior scenes will be recorded in London after the warehouse in Rossendale the BBC was using as a studio was sold off.

Despite the setback, the county council is confident the big money will come to the county from TV, with a variety of documentaries, films and entertainment programmes planned.

Coun Martin said: "Lancashire Film Office estimates that the Lancashire economy will benefit by between £3 and £4 million in the coming year from TV and film work.

"To continue its work, the film office has asked for a grant of £30,000 and Lancashire County Council recognises the potential that this work has to bring considerable benefits to the tourism industry in Lancashire.

"Tourism promotion has been identified as one of the key strategic areas of focus for the county council's future economic development.

"It is important to have a strong creative industry, with the potential contribution to the economy."

Each series of Born and Bred alone has generated £2.4million from BBC costs alone, with benefits to tourism now being evaluated.