Filming on a second series of a groundbreaking drama that has highlighted issues surrounding autism to millions of viewers is expected to start within weeks.

It has been reported that cast and crew of the BBC'S The A Word will return to the Lake District next month.

The first series, starring former Dr Who Christopher Eccleston, has earned critical acclaim worldwide for the touching way in which it has portrayed a family's efforts to deal with the challenges that having a child with autism can bring.

Filming for the first series took place at south Cumbria locations including Broughton and Coniston.

The show, from Bafta-winning Peter Bowker, follows members of the Hughes family, who seem to lead a normal existence until they receive some unexpected news.

Communication problems with five-year-old son Joe lead to a diagnosis of autism. It changes the lives of the family members, who have to pull together and learn to better communicate to deal with the boy's condition.

The spectacular setting of the Lakes proved to be a perfect backdrop to the drama, the return of which is eagerly anticipated.

Speaking as the second series was announced, Bowker said: "I am delighted that the show has resonated with a wide audience and am thrilled to have the opportunity to take the family and Joe further along their journey. Also delighted to be rifling through my musical history and calling it work.

"If the first series was about diagnosis and denial then the second series is about the journey that is undertaken when you ‘go public’ about the fact that your child is different. This series is both about being the family with a child that is different in a small community, as well as being a part of the wider ‘autism community’ and all that this entails.”

The BBC says the second series will "challenge perceptions of living with autism".

Cumbria will be the backdrop for two other television series this year.

The BBC will be filming sitcom Home from Home, starring Johnny Vegas and Joanna Page, after a successful pilot last year. It's also expected be centred in the Keswick area.

Meanwhile, a second series of another Christopher Eccleston drama - ITV's Safe House - is also expected to be filmed in the Lakes.

The television backdrops follow a major year on the big screen that's seen the county showcased in Swallows and Amazons and Star Wars: The Force Awakens.