ROYLE Family stars Ricky Tomlinson and Ralf Little stopped off in Bury to film for their new series.

The actors, who play father and son Jim and Antony in the hit BBC comedy, visited Bury Market yesterday where they tried the town's traditional delicacy black pudding as well as locally produced cheeses.

They were joined by camera crews and were being filmed for their upcoming programme called Ricky and Ralf’s Very Northern Road Trip.

The six-part series sees them tour the north of England for the Gold channel, sharing their usual humour along the way.

During their stop off in Bury, they were filmed trying produce from two market stalls — Chadwick's, founded in 1954 and known for their traditional black puddings, and Cheeseplus, who sell a range of dairy produce, cold meats and pies.

Graham Hill, who owns Cheeseplus, said the special guests tried three varieties of cheeses, produced by Garstang-based Dewlay Cheesemakers.

He said: "We knew a visit was in the pipeline but we found out at about 9.20am yesterday that they would be with us that morning. They wanted to see us as we are. They were visiting as part of their campervan road trip.

"They tried Crumble Lancashire, Creamy tasty Lancashire and Insanity - I gave them a hot one to gee them up a bit. They loved it.

"They came to Lancashire and they got Lancashire.

"As well as tasting cheeses, they wanted to get across to people what northern people are all about. We had some banter.

"They filmed me in action, and they played the role of the customer visiting the shop. It is really great publicity for us."

Mr Hill, aged 54 from Rochdale, set up his first stall on Salford Market when he was aged 18.

He purchased a stall on Bury Market when he was aged 27 and has been there ever since. Today, Cheeseplus sells about 115 varieties of cheese to a strong support base.

Meanwhile, Chadwick's Original Bury Black Pudding, who were also visited by the stars, bases its delicacy on a recipe that is said to date back to 1865.

Today, their market stall is run by Mary and Tony Sinacola, who had the chance to meet and interact with Ralf and Ricky.

Andrea Healey, of Tilly Mildred Cakes, said: "I had just finished getting my weekly fruit and veg when I turned around and saw Ricky. I was delighted. Then realised Ralf was with him followed by a camera crew.

"They tried cheese from Cheeseplus and had black pudding at Chadwicks.

"Lots of people were saying 'oh look it's Ricky Tomlinson'. There was a buzz about it all."

Ralf and Ricky are also rumoured to have popped into Katsouris Delicatessen for a brew.

Ricky and Ralf’s Very Northern Road Trip will air on Gold next year.