YORK has welcomed film crews from China, Japan and numerous British TV companies in the past year, and tourism bosses are hailing the benefits that screen time can bring the city.

Productions from ITV's acclaimed drama Victoria to BBC history documentaries - both spoof and genuine - have all been filmed in York in 2018, and executives from the city's tourist body Make it York say the interest brings multiple benefits to York.

Head of communications Kay Hyde said: “Our team here has helped a huge variety of productions this year, from high profile dramas such as Victoria, to Kay Mellor’s much anticipated Girlfriends.

"Not only do these productions help put the city in front of millions of viewers they also support jobs and the local economy, bringing in film crews and utilising the creative talent we have here."

On top of the British TV and film work heading to York, the city has been filmed for major overseas television audiences. Make it York helped producers find businesses to film on Shambles, for a one-hour travel special due to air for millions of viewers in Japan in December. The organisation also helped CCTV - China's largest and only national TV station - film in York for its business news channel.

Meanwhile, upcoming ITV drama Girlfriends - written by renowned 'Fat Friends' screenwriter Kay Mellor and starring Miranda Richardson and Anthony Head - shot scenes in Cosy Club restaurant on Fossgate in the summer.

During the production, Ms Mellor said she particularly wanted to show York off "in all its glory", and the drama is due to be broadcast sometime in 2018.

Earlier in the year, BBC drama Gunpowder shot short scenes in York, while York-based academics Dr Hannah Greig and Dr John Cooper acted as historical advisors for the series, which was broadcast in November.

Ms Hyde said the hard-hitting drama captivated audiences, and shone a spotlights on the story of York's infamous son.

"York is a film maker’s dream, with so many fantastic and varied locations and venues to choose from," she added.

"The superb production space at church Fenton, the specialist skills and knowledge of the team at Screen Yorkshire and our film friendly approach in York are all paying dividends in bringing more quality filming to York."

A BBC4 history documentary looking at York's Viking and Roman history was filmed in the city in May and is yet to be broadcast, and spoof documentary maker Philomena Cunk shot scenes for 'Cunk on Britain' on the Shambles.

This year has also seen ITV's Victoria - filmed at Church Fenton's former RAF base and at locations including Harewood House and Beverley Minster - back on screen, and it is due back once again for a Christmas special over the festive period.

The major TV production was the first to make its home and the new studio facility, which was opened by regional film body Screen Yorkshire in 2016.