A RURAL property expert has suggested an unconventional way for landowners to bring in some additional revenue.

Michael Orde, who leads the rural team at Savills in Corbridge, has claimed rural businesses and country estates are in a prime position to make some extra cash - by putting themselves forward as alternative filming locations.

With movement restrictions and social distancing measures preventing TV and film studios from shooting in confined spaces, property advisors at Savills feel countryside locations could provide the answer.

Mr Orde said: "There is now plenty of incentive for filming to get underway again. For owners of rural property there is perhaps more opportunity than ever to be part of the industry’s recovery.

“Film shoots in public places will be heavily regulated and studios will need to be creative in order to meet social distancing requirements.

"However, a rural estate or private country house can provide a solution to this.

"Location managers can control access and movement, unit bases can be spread out in adjoining paddocks and, should there be a need, it can be quickly locked down.

“Additional space and accommodation will become a necessity for productions and will certainly lead to locations being sought further afield, which may well be advantageous to rural property owners and provide an opportunity for an interesting new revenue stream.”

Of course, Northumberland is no stranger to the silver screen - Bamburgh Castle has recently been used in Transformers movie The Last Knight, The BFG and Macbeth.

Elsewhere, Alnwick Castle is well known for both Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone and Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, while ITV’s most-watched drama, Vera, is filmed extensively across Northumberland.

However, anyone thinking of putting their estate forward as a potential location needs to be aware of coronavirus guidelines published by the British film Council, and how to put them into practice.

Mr Ord added: "Covid-19 mitigation requirements are going to be a necessity of filming insurance for some time yet.

"If you can present your location as fit for filming now, this will put you a step ahead of the competition.

“The key is to be proactive. While the fair weather lasts take good photographs including fields, out buildings and accommodation showcasing the range of your property.

"It is also worth getting in touch with agencies who will actively promote your property around the industry.”