HARVINGTON Hall's secrets will be revealed on television this Christmas.

The Elizabethan mansion played host to the popular BBC children's television programme Blue Peter which was filming a special festive show on Tuesday. Simon Thomas takes a break from filming at Harvington Hall.

Crew and presenters were there for the day and focused on the hall's hiding places which were used by Catholic priests during the Elizabethan period.

Programme presenter Simon Thomas demonstrated how celebrating Christmas as a Catholic was a dangerous practice in those days.

Sherida Breeden, the hall's business co-ordinator, was "delighted" as the programme will "actually be about the hall, rather than the hall being used as a background for actors".

One group of visiting pupils was overjoyed to see Simon, who gave out signed photos of himself.

The programme will be shown on Christmas Eve on BBC1 and Blue Peter badge holders will be able to gain free admission after the broadcast.