A NEW television comedy about an alien invasion of an East Lancashire market town will be broadcasting at the end of the month.

'The show, We Are Not Alone', explores the culture clash between humankind and aliens who decide to run Britain from its geographical centre in Clitheroe.

It is written by Laurence Rickard and Ben Willbond, of 'Ghosts' and 'Horrible Histories' fame, and produced by Big Talk which has been behind numerous TV hits, most recently 'The Outlaws' as well as Channel 4's 'Friday Night Dinner'.

But the hapless extra-terrestrials have to hire council ‘human liaison officer’ Stewart, played by Declan Baxter, to help them after struggling to govern the baffling humans.

Stewart strikes up an unlikely friendship with clumsy alien underling Greggs, played by Joe Thomas of 'The Inbetweeners'.

Several scenes were shot in Clitheroe in December, including at Castlegate and in the grounds of Clitheroe Castle.

'We Are Not Alone' will be screened at 9pm on Monday, November 28, on Dave and UKTV Play.

Dave channel director Cherie Cunningham added: “We Are not Alone is one of the most ambitious productions we have ever undertaken, with a hilarious script full of great characters and vivid world-building.”

Jonny Shelton, production liaison manager for national screen agency Filming in England, said: “The UK’s screen industries have bounced back faster than any other industry post-pandemic and we are seeing unprecedented demand for content.

“This is providing unsurpassed opportunity and the English regions are at the forefront of it.

“Productions are always on the lookout for unique locations and Clitheroe certainly fits the bill for this quirky new comedy that will introduce the town to a national audience.”

Ribble Valley Council leader Cllr Stephen Atkinson said: “This new comedy will boost our post-pandemic recovery by introducing Clitheroe to a national audience.

“Tourism is a key part of our economic strategy and we have worked hard in partnership with Filming in England to develop the borough as a filming destination.

“We can’t wait to find out if and how the aliens get to grips with the baffling British and look forward to welcoming 'We Are Not Alone' enthusiasts to our beautiful borough over the coming months.”

Not only was Clitheroe the location for We are Not Alone, but the all-star movie, 'Greatest Days', based on the Take That songbook, was filmed in the town in April and is currently in post-production.