A FLY on the wall documentary which captures the bedroom antics of guests and quirky comments from Lake District hotel staff is airing on TV tonight.

The Damson Dene Hotel, in Crosthwaite, was rigged up with more than 50 cameras in order to capture five weeks of clandestine footage for Channel 4.

Film crews caught discreet marriage proposals, attempts by hopeful parents to bond with teenagers and the story of a married couple who chose to steal away to the hotel to await the result of an important medical test.

Hotel owner Jonathan Denby said his venue had been picked from 600 other potential hotels because of its picturesque setting and the honest, straight-talking attitude of management.

“You see the hotel warts and all - we’re not trying to be perfect all the time,” said Mr Denby.

“We cater for the Mondeo Man, which was just as well because the cameras were everywhere.

“We have such a range of different nationalities working here - they provide an eclectic mix of personalities. It’s led to some hilarious footage.”

Damson Dene’s manager Wayne Bartholomew lives on site in a caravan.

“Before I knew it there were cameras watching from every corner of the site, including my home,” he said.

“I just hope the documentary doesn’t give a Jeremy Kyle version of the Lakes - or make my caravan look like something from My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding.”

Guests were given the choice of being filmed for the documentary.

“Personally, I prefer my privacy but I was featured too, taking my flowers into reception each morning,” said Mr Denby.

“I knew I was taking a risk in inviting a film crew into the hotel but staff made me proud and it was fascinating to watch them on camera.”

The eight part series begins on Channel 4 at 8pm tonight.

Click on the link below to see Colin Shelbourn's cartoon on this story.