FILMING for the fourth series of award winning BBC One 1950s drama Father Brown, which is shot in and around the Cotswolds, is coming to an end as final scenes from episode 10, The Daughter of Autolycus, are being completed this week.

Bromsgrove actor Mark Williams takes the lead role as the slightly shambolic, though mild-mannered Catholic priest in the fictional Cotswolds village of Kembleford. His innocence belies a playful wit and sharp intellect as he ambles through the storylines solving crimes from gruesome murders to audacious thefts, much to the annoyance of the local police inspector.

Scenes are shot mostly around Blockley, in the vicarage next door to St Peter and St Paul Church; at Chastleton House and the former hospital buildings at Moreton, as well as other suitable locations in the county which fit the requirements.

As well as gathering a strong following in the UK, the series has proved popular abroad.

"I met one America woman in Chipping Campden recently and when she found out who I was she said 'Hi, Father Brown; I feel like I know you'."

Mr Williams said he enjoys his character and has learned from him.

"The role has taught me to be more accepting. I wasn't particularly judgemental of people before; but now I am not at all." It has also made me a better detective," he quipped.

Growing up in Worcestershire, Mr Williams, who starred for many years in the BBC comedy sketch show, The Fast Show, and also starred in three Harry Potter movies, knows the district well.

"I have a great affection for the Cotswolds and have got to know a lot of people while filming in Blockley.

"I've made friends there; I go into the shop - a very nice shop, and hopefully people enjoy us being there," he said.

Cast and crew descend on the village twice in every 'block', which is two episodes, and film a lot around the vicarage; home to newly settled vicar Rev Dana Delap and her family, and the adjacent church.

Former parish council chairman Margaret Bryan, said more often than not residents are not aware the crew is filming in the village.

"They do film all over the Cotgswolds, but when they are in Blockley we don't really see much of them. I think everyone has got used to them being there. They don't cause any problems and do use the shop," said Mrs Bryan.

"They have a location manager who is very good and keeps us informed. Most of all we enjoy watching the programmes and trying to fathom out where a particular scene has been shot."

The fourth series of Father Brown will be aired on television later in the year.