A new six-part ITV drama about life in the Second World War that was filmed in Bunbury is proving a huge hit with Sunday night audiences.

Acclaimed British actresses Francesca Annis and Samantha Bond are currently leading the ensemble cast of Home Fires, which follows a group of women living in a rural Cheshire community with the shadow of the war casting a dark cloud over their lives – and the show has been steadily pulling in millions of viewers every week.

In the drama, the women are separated from their husbands, fathers, sons and brothers as the conflict takes hold, with the characters finding themselves under increasing pressures in a rapidly fragmenting world.

By banding together as the Great Paxford Women’s Institute, they help maintain the nation’s fabric in its darkest hour, and discover inner resources that will change their lives forever.

Bunbury had to be transformed into a wartime setting while filming took place last summer, with locals being informed of the disruption through leaflets posted through their doors.

Many of the village’s features can be seen in the show, including the Nag’s Head pub, the Village Chippy fish and chip shop, RF Burrows & Sons butchers, and St Boniface’s Church.

The inspiration for Home Fires, which was previously known as Jambusters , is based on author Julie Summers’s non-fiction book of that name, with a screenplay written by Simon Block, who penned shows including Lewis and Casualty.

Julie, who has a cameo role as a WI county organiser in the show, said it was an honour to be making an appearance.

“I’m absolutely thrilled to have landed a cameo in Home Fires,” she said. “My grandmother was a lifelong WI member and would undoubtedly approve of me wearing a hat.”

ITV’s continuing drama producer Steve November added: “We’re really delighted to have commissioned Home Fires. Great writing from Simon has given Julie Summers’s wonderful book a fictional life. The women are real and engaging and have fantastic spirit and attitude.

“With World War II on the horizon, multiple strands of plot interweave to create a period drama full of jeopardy and intrigue, but also great humanity and modernity.

“This series takes a fresh look at life on the Home Front, showing both the tragedies and the triumphs, and offering some wonderful roles for Britain’s top actresses.”

  • Home Fires runs for another three weeks on Sunday evenings at 9pm.