A SET of classic novels that lampoon the snobberies of England village life is set to be adapted into a TV series in filmed in the very town on which it was based.

Author Edward Frederic Benson’s series Mapp and Lucia, which are set in the fictional village of Tilling, is being adapted by the BBC – with cameras start rolling this summer in the seaside town of Rye, East Sussex, on which Tilling was based.

Benson lived in Rye for a time and served time there as mayor.

Malcolm Johnston, executive director of resources at Rother District Council, said: “As the inspiration for the original Mapp and Lucia novels, it’s wholly fitting that this television adaptation should be filmed in Rye.

“As one of the best-preserved medieval towns in England, the town will provide a stunning backdrop, and hopefully being screened in living rooms across the country will encourage more people to come and enjoy this part of the world.”

The cast features two-time Academy Award-nominee Miranda Richardson, Anna Chancellor from Four Weddings and a Funeral and Mark Gatiss from Sherlock and The League of Gentlemen.

Miranda Richardson said: "I am so looking forward to a summer of hard work and I hope, great fun, working with the ensemble on this masterly adaptation of EF Benson's delicious confection. I cannot wait to get my teeth into playing Mapp.” The adaptation will be written by Steve Pemberton, also from The League of Gentlemen - which also featured a Sussex connection with The Local Shop sketch being based off a real store in Rottingdean.Mark Gatiss said: "EF Benson's tales of life in Tilling are some of the most sly, funny and waspishly brilliant stories in the language. It's an absolute treat to be joining my old friend Steve and such a glorious cast to bring them to life.”