Filming brought parts of Hastings to a standstill as directors and actors recreated scenes for a wartime television drama.

Streets were blocked off as actors dressed in period costume acted out scenes for ITV1 detective drama Foyle's War.

Set in the Second World War, the pilot show was shot in Hastings and St Leonards last summer before being commissioned by ITV1 bosses.

A 50-strong team of crew and actors, including A&E star Michael Kitchen, were revisiting the 1066 area for five days of shooting.

Roads around Hill Street, Swan Terrace, Croft Road and Old Town High Street were put off limits and motorists were advised to stay away.

Later, they will recreate the Dunkirk recovery operation on the fishing beach at The Stade, below the West Hill.

Location manager Fiona Elrington said: "Hastings is a great place to come, particularly when the weather is so kind to us.

"A lot of hard work is going on while we are down to get our shots but once we have got that done we like to see what Hastings has to offer. We have been impressed so far."

The Old Town is a popular setting for yesteryear television and film productions with its cobbled High Street, quaint, low-level shops and narrow, winding back streets.

Its attractions have drawn many talented people to live there, including Punch cartoonist Barry Furniss, Loony Lord Derek Howell and tragic broadcaster Paula Yates.

Onlooker Laura Spicer, 34, of St Helen's Road, St Leonards, said: "There was a flurry of activity.

"A lot of us were craning our necks to see whether there were any famous faces. We recognised one or two of them. It certainly livened things up for us round here."

Foyle's War is expected to be screened next autumn or spring.