A PICTURESQUE South Lakeland cottage is set to take a central role on television alongside singer and presenter Aled Jones.

Dale End in Longsleddale caught the eye of researchers from the BBC programme Escape to the Country after it was put up for sale by owner Dave Pritt.

He agreed for the house, which is the oldest in the valley and dates back to the 1500s, to be filmed for the series as one of three properties viewed by prospective buyers.

Welsh star Aled Jones had the job of showing the buyers around the house, as well as filming at scenic locations around the village which inspired the Postman Pat stories.

“It is an amazing place and the house has lots of character,” he said. “It is just brilliant and with the glorious weather, definitely the best day to visit.

“The brief from the family was to find a home close to Kendal and Windermere, with mum Helen hoping to find a job as a school teacher.

“I love that this village hasn’t changed in hundreds of years, that there are still the same number of houses as there were in 1841. Filming down at the bridge, you can just imagine the postman doing his rounds now and stopping to speak to everyone on his way.”

The other two houses are in Old Hutton and Windermere, but their addresses have not been disclosed.

The presenter said he was a frequent visitor to the Lake District, having stayed with his father-in-law many times in the Duddon Valley.

“I can’t say it is as beautiful as North Wales,” he added. “But it is stunning.”

The production crew was particularly enamoured with the original features of the house, including a wooden shelf that hangs from the lounge ceiling to stop mice from eating freshly baked cakes and bread.

Mr Pritt, who runs Adventure Peaks based in Ambleside, said he was selling the house because he spents much of his time travelling. He has led six expeditions to Everest and recently returned from leading a charity expedition to the South Pole.

The episode of Escape to the County is due to air in the autumn.