RUN for the hills - Vernon Scripps has come to York!

The amiable Scouse chancer, who is one of the best-loved characters in TV's Heartbeat, has taken up residence in the former FR Stubbs' Ironmongers building, on Fossgate, for the new series of the hit show.

The historic emporium has had a makeover which has seen it transformed into an authentic 60s department store, in which Geoffrey Hughes, who plays Vernon, will film several scenes throughout this week.

A spokesman for Yorkshire Television, the makers of Heartbeat, said the building was an "obvious choice" for the role of a superstore from the swinging 60s.

"We have a team of location managers who know every inch of North and West Yorkshire because of the needs of Heartbeat," he added.

"They felt the store would work because a hardware shop can easily look like what they wanted.

"More importantly, it's rather conveniently located on the route between Leeds, where we film the interiors, and Goathland, where we do our location shoots."

Viewers who are familiar with York may spot a bit of televisual sleight-of-hand when the programme airs. The interior shots will indeed show the former Stubbs' emporium, but the exterior will be that of neighbouring furniture store and former cinema, Macdonalds of York.

The new series, which is Heartbeat's 12th, will see wide boy Scripps giving up on the idea of working for himself, and deciding to get a job.

He ends up working in the electrical department of Gower's Department Store (that's Stubbs), in the fictitious town of Ashfordly.

"Needless to say, things don't quite go to plan," said the spokesman.

Ben Stubbs, who owns the building, said he felt it was an ideal stop-off point for Heartbeat.

"This is a great use for the building. It has been empty since October and I think it makes a good film set.

"It is all 19th century fixtures and fittings, that's what made it ideal.

"Having Heartbeat filmed there gives the building an extra bit of publicity, and a push for its sale."

Updated: 08:50 Tuesday, April 16, 2002