DAME Judi Dench is returning to Lacock this summer after it was announced the BBC want to return to the village to film a Cranford Christmas special.

Stars were filmed in the village in April 2007 for the period drama, The Cranford Chronicles, amidst great excitement from locals and tourists.

Residents have been invited to a meeting with the BBC, Lacock Tenants Association and the parish council at 7pm on March 16 for a meeting about the plans where they will be given the chance to vote it through or not.

If the residents of the National trust village agree, filming will take place from Monday, June 8 to Saturday, June 13.

The cast will include Imelda Staunton, Julia McKenzie, Greg Wise and Francesca Annis as well as Oscar winner, Dame Judi.

The show will again be produced by Sue Birtwhistle and Rupert Ryle Hodges, who will both be at the meeting this month to talk to Lacock residents.

Jan Harris, general manager of the George Inn in Lacock said she would embrace the filming after last year.

She said: “We are really looking forward to it and I understand they also want to film in West Street, which is where we are, so that is very exciting.

“The film crew were very nice last time and people love it. It also brings in revenue for the area as people want to retrace the steps of the filming and see where scenes were shot after it is all over too, so they come to the village.”

Filming will involve scenes set in the High Street, Church Street and West Street and an outline schedule proposes dividing filming into two areas.

Casting will also be held for villagers interested in becoming extras.