WEST Cumbria will star in a popular BBC documentary series this week as Michael Portillo heads out again on a Great British Railway Journey.

The former politician turned documentary maker has created the new series of 'Great British Railway Journeys' with a focus on the north west of England.

Two of the episodes will focus on West Cumbria, looking at places such as Ravenglass, Whitehaven, Cockermouth and Maryport.

Talking about the series the BBC said: "Michael Portillo is in Cumbria, enjoying one of the most spectacular coastal railway journeys in Britain. 

"From Silecroft, Michael hikes up Black Combe to join a champion endurance athlete as she navigates and runs across the fells.

"Pressing north, he reaches the delightful Ravenglass and Eskdale heritage railway.

News and Star: The presenter at Wordsworth house in CockermouthThe presenter at Wordsworth house in Cockermouth (Image: BBC)

"On the last leg of his railway journey around the north-west coast of England, Michael meets a lifelong fan of Alfred Wainwright’s famous guidebooks and takes the first steps along his coast-to-coast path.

"In Whitehaven, once the third-busiest port in Britain, Michael visits a family butcher that has made traditional Cumberland sausages for a century.

"Heading inland to Cockermouth, he learns about William Wordsworth’s great love for the River Derwent, which flows alongside the garden of Wordsworth House. 

News and Star: Michael at the Whitehaven marina on his journeyMichael at the Whitehaven marina on his journey (Image: BBC)

"Michael finishes his journey in Maryport, where the Solway Firth marks the border between England and Scotland and where the tidal surge sweeps in big fish for those fishermen still using traditional haaf nets to catch them."

Micheal was spotted filiming for the series back in 2021 when he was spotted at the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway and Wils Hambling butcher's in Whitehaven market place.

News and Star: Michael takes a stroll on St Bee's beachMichael takes a stroll on St Bee's beach (Image: BBC)

At the time, owner David Dawson said: "He was here and it's something to look forward to in the future."

The Ulverston to Ravenglass episode which is the fourth in the series, will be airing at 6.30pm on the evening May 25 on BBC 2 but is available to watch on the iPlayer now.