He starred in one of the greatest sitcoms of all time. Now Only Fools and Horses actor Paul Barber is encouraging a new generation of Cumbrian screen stars.

Barber, who played truck driver Denzil alongside David Jason and Nicholas Lyndhurst, is one of the stars of new BBC sitcom Home from Home, which has been filmed in and around Pooley Bridge.

He and fellow star Johnny Vegas have been joined on set by a cast of Cumbrian supporting actors.

A strong contingent of supporters are set to appear alongside them in the new show when it airs later this year.

They have come from Carlisle-based Lakeside Castings, which provided all of the supporting cast for the six-part series.

And Barber and Benidorm actor Vegas have been among those who have taken time out during filming to make the Cumbrians welcome on set.

Home from Home is the latest in a series of television programmes and films to be shot in the Lake District, with Phil having cast many of them, including The A Word, Swallows and Amazons and Safe House.

Many of those who have taken part in filming attend acting workshops run by Lakeside in Carlisle.

Phil said: "I wanted to cast as many people as possible that attend our acting workshops in the city and give them the opportunity that they work hard for.

"The acting workshops is the best training ground for anyone who has the passion to become an actor and would like to pursue a career in film, television and theatre.

"When I know they are ready to audition I set up auditions for them, playing walk on roles like this is a great way for them to see how it all comes together I have 30 licences for under 16s and have about 60 adults on set."

Home from Home will follow the fortunes of Neil Hackett, played by Vegas.

He has fulfilled a long-cherished dream of buying a holiday lodge in the Lake District after years of scrimping and saving. But his dream is disrupted as by his neighbours, The Dillons.

As well as Vegas and Barber, the show features Doctor Foster actor Adam James, Silent Witness star Emilia Fox and stage star Elaine Paige

Filming, which drew to a close this week, has centred around the Hillcrest Holiday Park.

Phil added: "I’ve been on the film set and the buzz around Pooley Bridge is amazing.

"It's great that The BBC are filming this in-house. The film crew are amazing and always plenty tea and coffee on hand plus the three-course lunch for everyone.

"We start filming early to 7 pm to get it done and filming is expected to finish this sat."

Speaking earlier this week, Vegas spoke of how he has loved his time in Cumbria while filming in the area.

Home from Home has been filmed at the same time as production of The A Word, starring former Dr Who Christopher Eccleston, has been taking place near Keswick.