THE executive producer of a major new television drama set in York claims the city will look “absolutely extraordinary” on film.

Crews are currently filming Eternal Law in York, a drama series created by the writers behind the award-winning Ashes To Ashes and Life On Mars.

It tells the story of two angels, Zak and Tom, who are sent to work on earth as lawyers to interact with humans.

A set has been made in Purey Cust Nuffield Hospital and the crew has been filming in locations including St William’s College, the Minster, by the river Ouse and in Stonegate.

Alison Jackson, the executive producer of Eternal Law, said the ITV programme promises to make York look spectacular on film. She said: “We wanted to find a city that was a fresh view of contemporary Britain. We wanted a place big enough for us to find individual stories every week, so it was urban but had a view of rural Britain. “The Minster popped into someone’s head and we thought what a great symbol the Minster was. “As a city, it’s going to look absolutely extraordinary on film.

“People have a perception that York is beautiful, but this does make it look very special.”

Ms Jackson said the compact nature of the city meant viewers would be able to understand the geography of York. The cast of the drama includes Samuel West, of Van Helsing and Any Human Heart fame, Ukweli Roach, and Orla Brady, who starred in Mistresses. Writers Ashley Pharoah and Matthew Graham are expected to make visits to York throughout filming.

About 60 cast and crew are based in rented houses and hotels until filming finishes in July.

The programme is expected to be screened in 2012.