IT regularly featured in the hit TV drama Heartbeat - and even had its windows blown out on one occasion - but now Aidensfield Stores has gone on the market for hundreds of thousands of pounds.

The village shop, situated in Goathland at the heart of the North York Moors, was often at the heart of the action in ITV's popular drama about village policemen in the 1960s.

Owner Phil Hopkinson said he bought the then Goathland stores in 1993, a year after Heartbeat debuted and, recognising its tourism potential, re-named it Aidensfield Stores after the fictional village in which the programme was set.

Heartbeat was one of ITV's biggest dramas, running for 18 series from 1992 until 2010 and attracting audiences of almost 15 million viewers at the peak of its popularity.

Mr Hopkinson said it resulted in a huge increase in tourism in Goathland, with visitor numbers soaring from a quarter of a million to one and a quarter million, and 2,000 coaches arriving every summer.

He said scenes were filmed inside the store on half a dozen occasions, and he got to know characters such as lovable rogue Greengrass, played by Bill Maynard.

On one occasion, producers spent a day preparing for an explosion which blew out the shop's 'windows'.

He said that with repeats still screened regularly on ITV 3 and in various countries around the world, the village remained a major tourist attraction to this day but he was now selling the business to take life a little easier.

The stores, along with a sister business three doors away, White Rose Crafts and Clothing, are being sold for £495,000 for the freehold, business goodwill, fixtures and fittings plus stock at valuation.

Rosie Crux, chartered surveyor, from York-based sole selling agents Barry Crux & Company, which can be contacted on 01904 659990, said: "We are excited to offer such a rare opportunity to the market.

"This is a hugely successful business in a fantastic location and is part of TV history due to its long standing association with Heartbeat, the popular drama series.

"It is not only a thriving business but also provides a purchaser the chance to benefit from a unique lifestyle in the heart of North Yorkshire."