AWARD-winning TV drama Life on Mars returns to our screens tomorrow - and some of the sets might look familiar.

The second series of the time-travel police drama, which is set in the 1970s, was filmed on locations across Bolton last summer.

Producers Kudos said they chose the town for its unspoilt streets and buildings.

Sites in Farnworth and Great Lever are among those that were transformed into 1970's settings for the BBC1 show, which reaches its climax at the end of the upcoming eight-part series.

Viewers will see Bolton backdrops in episodes three, four and eight, as they learn how time-travelling Mancunian detective DI Sam Tyler - played by John Simm - came to find himself in 1973, following a car accident in 2006.

Simm stars alongside Philip Glenister, who plays DCI Gene Hunt and has also appeared in TV dramas Clocking Off and Vincent, and in the movie Calender Girls.

Joe Cairns, Life on Mars unit manager, said: "Bolton has a number of scenic locations ideal for filming.

"It has a lot of variety as it is close to stunning hills and countryside, but also has rich industrial heritage and traditional terrace streets, ideal for recreating the 1970's era. Bolton made a perfect setting for the series and some of the most dramatic scenes were filmed there."

The Emmy award-winning series, which starts on Tuesday, was shot between June and September last year.

In one episode, the former Queensbridge primary school, in Farnworth, provides the backdrop for an investigation into a suspicious package which explodes outside a school.

Other storylines were filmed in and around Eustace Street and Lowther Street, in Great Lever, and at a property in Beverly Road, which was transformed into a community centre.

Life on Mars is one of a number of productions that has been filmed in the borough over the past 12 months.

Bolton Town Hall was transformed into a Romanian courthouse for Channel 4's current series of Shameless, while the Octagon Theatre featured in the BBC's New Street Law.

Filming for TV dramas have brought an estimated £700,000 of inward investment to the town.

Susan Williams, Film Liaison Officer at North West Vision, said: "The ongoing success Bolton has been experiencing as a filming location is testament to Bolton Council and its continued commitment to promote the town as a film-friendly destination."

Bolton Council leader Cllr Cliff Morris said: "Bolton welcomes film makers and always tries to accommodate their requests.

"Filming puts the borough on the map, is interesting for local people, and of course brings economic benefits."

  • Life on Mars, 9pm BBC1, Tuesday.