A FORMER Doctor Who and a star of Mad Men were filming in York on Tuesday.

David Tennant and Elisabeth Moss were in Walmgate to film scenes for the upcoming biopic Mad To Be Normal.

The film tells the story of Scottish psychiatrist R.D. Laing, who created a residential retreat for people suffering with schizophrenia and advocated the use of LSD for medical treatment.

About 20 extras wearing 1960s clothing were also seen in the street, forming a queue to enter Stone Trough Books, before being ushered inside to film a scene where Laing is signing copies of his book.

Phin Glynn is one of the producers on the film, and said the cast and crew were happy to be in York, and had received a positive welcome.

He said: "We're filming in York for about four weeks and we're on day two now. This week is a big week as we're shooting some of the heaviest days. 

"We were scouting in December and there were some nervous days, but it's nice to come here after the city had so much trouble and see some of the community. Everyone's really glad to be here, it's a monumentally beautiful city."

About 200 students have signed up to play extras in the film, which will also shoot at the University of York, and features performances by Sir Michael Gambon and Gabriel Byrne.​