TELEVISION presenter Michael Peschardt said few places could compare with York’s “backdrop and history” as he brought a BBC World News crew to film in the city.

The respected journalist was in York yesterday to work on his series Peschardt’s People, which features famous people from the Asia Pacific region speaking about places around the world which have had a big influence on them.

Mr Peschardt said: “The reason we chose to film in York is because York provides a backdrop and history that few other cities around the world can offer.

“We filmed across the globe, but in the last three years I can’t remember anywhere where there are more stories behind a wall.”

The programme, filmed yesterday in the city centre, featured Chinese best-selling novelist Diane Wei Liang, who chose York and Yorkshire because she admired its history, which she described as being very different from that of her childhood home.

The series has been a big success since its launch three years ago and has now reached more than 100 broadcasts.

More than 78 million people watch BBC World in 200 countries each week.

John Yeomans, chairman of Visit York, said: “We’re delighted Michael Peschardt is filming here in York. “These programmes are shown globally, across the United States, Canada, Central America, Europe and Africa, as well as throughout the Asia Pacific region. “Millions of viewers tune in to BBC World every week and money simply can’t buy this kind of exposure for the city. “It’s fantastic news which will help boost York’s profile across the globe.”

Gary Verity, chief executive of Welcome To Yorkshire, said: “BBC World News is renowned as one of the most trusted international news and information channels. “This, combined with such impressive audience figures, means global exposure for Yorkshire.”

Filming took place at Shambles, York Racecourse, the city walls and York Minster before the crew moved on to Harrogate, Haworth and the Ilkley Literature Festival.