Were the real Happy Valley and owe the TV hit for putting us on the map

NO wonder it’s a Happy Valley business in Hebden Bridge has been booming since the hitTV show set its stall in the Yorkshire market town.

Many locals even believe its fame could rival nearby Holmfirth, which still benefits from fans of Last Of The Summer Wine.

The show reaches its conclusion tonight, and as Sarah Lancashire’s Sgt Catherine Cawood prepares for the final showdown with serial killer Tommy Lee Royce James Norton), fans have been flocking to the BBC drama’s real-life locations.

And businesses and residents in the town eight miles west of Halifax say they are more than happy to be reaping the financial benefits, particularly with the current cost-of-living crisis.

Butcher’s shop owner Dan Gibbons, 30, said: Happy Valley is a fantastic show with some great acting.

“Tt is a much darker series than Last Of The Summer Wine, but it is still bringing in the visitors.”

Nisa corner shop owner Martin Turner, 46, who has worked at the store for 16 years, said: Despite the cost-of-living crisis we are seeing plenty of people turning up to take selfies outside.

“There seems to be a lot more interest in the show this year with everyone knowing it is the final one.

“Sarah Lancashire came in a few times to do her shopping while she was filming and staying in a flat over in Albert Street.

“She was very friendly but very quiet about what they were filming. I suppose she did not want to give anything away.”

One of the customers, window cleaner Richard Hirst, 52, said: I have never watched a single episode so I was wondering why Hebden had suddenly become so popular with the tourists. We have seen what Last Of The Summer Wine did for Holmfirth, and with so many people tweeting about Happy Valley, the same could happen here.”