COUNTY Durham’s rural police officers are set to star in a new series of a popular BBC show.

‘Countryside 999’, which features the work of the emergency services and other agencies in various parts of the UK, will return to the nation’s screens on Monday, February 9.

Camera crews followed Durham Police officers covering Teesdale, Weardale and parts of Derwentside when the 15-part series was filmed over a six-week period last summer.

The cameras followed about eight rural officers as they attended incidents such as road accidents, reports of anti-social behaviour and investigated sheep rustling and other thefts from farms.

They also documented officers searching for missing people and planning for big local events such as the Wolsingham Show.

While the filming of some events, such as the Wolsingham Show and Farmwatch operations could be planned in advance, the majority of incidents happened in ‘real time’ as the officers were despatched to jobs as they came in.

Inspector Kevin Tuck, head of neighbourhood policing for Crook and Barnard Castle, said: “The show will give people a real insight into many aspects of police work in the dales and other rural areas.

“I think viewers will be surprised at the broad range of incidents and issues we deal with.

“And I hope they will be impressed with the professionalism and dedication of our officers, who come on duty each day never quite knowing what is in store for them.”

The first of 15 consecutive weekday episodes will be aired on BBC One, at 11am, on Monday, February 9.

Each programme will be available to watch on the BBC iPlayer shortly after broadcast.