A new BBC drama airing this Sunday starring Benedict Cumberbatch has helped boost the Suffolk economy after filming in the county.

East Anglian Daily Times: Behind the scenes of filming in Suffolk for The Child in Time. Picture: PINEWOOD TELEVISION/SUNNY MARCH/LAURIE SPARHAMBehind the scenes of filming in Suffolk for The Child in Time. Picture: PINEWOOD TELEVISION/SUNNY MARCH/LAURIE SPARHAM (Image: WARNING: Use of this copyright image is subject to the terms of use of BBC Pictures' Digital Picture Service (BBC Pictures) a...)

The Child In Time, which stars Sherlock and Star Trek heartthrob Benedict Cumberbatch alongside Trainspotting’s Kelly Macdonald, spent four days filming in Suffolk’s picturesque Shingle Street in April for the 90 minute adaptation of the Ian McEwan novel.

Cast and crew came to the county, with Hollesley Village Hall serving as the unit base and catering during production.

Screen Suffolk director Karen Everett said the production would’ve provided a benefit to the local economy.

“It’s a shining example of why we must continue working hard to attract big productions into the county.”

The production created a small train station set for the arrival of Benedict Cumberbatch’s character, before he strolled along the beach and land belonging to local property owners.

An end of terrace house was transformed into a pub, before heading to Beacon Cottage where the two stars filmed further scenes.

East Anglian Daily Times: Benedict Cumberbatch in The Child in Time, which was partly filmed in Suffolk. Picture: PINEWOOD TELEVISION/SUNNY MARCHBenedict Cumberbatch in The Child in Time, which was partly filmed in Suffolk. Picture: PINEWOOD TELEVISION/SUNNY MARCH (Image: WARNING: Use of this copyright image is subject to the terms of use of BBC Pictures' Digital Picture Service (BBC Pictures) a...)

The production has praised the Shingle Street residents for accommodating the shoot, which included a badger sett that had burrowed underneath the only road to the location, causing the crew to have to unload equipment by hand to a waiting lorry on the other side of the sinkhole.

Ms Everett added: “This was not insignificant, it was hours of extra work and it was done in the pouring rain.

“They took advice from Natural England very seriously and didn’t complain at all about the inconvenience.”

East Anglian Daily Times: Shingle Street provided the setting. Picture:SARAH LUCY BROWNShingle Street provided the setting. Picture:SARAH LUCY BROWN

The production follows filming by ITV drama Fearless starring Helen McCrory, which also used Shingle Street as a location.

The Child In Time will be shown from 9pm on Sunday.

East Anglian Daily Times: Kelly Macdonald filming at the cottage in Shingle Street, for new drama series The Child in Time. Picture: PINEWOOD TELEVISION/SUNNY MARCH/CHARLIE BESTKelly Macdonald filming at the cottage in Shingle Street, for new drama series The Child in Time. Picture: PINEWOOD TELEVISION/SUNNY MARCH/CHARLIE BEST (Image: WARNING: Use of this copyright image is subject to the terms of use of BBC Pictures' Digital Picture Service (BBC Pictures) a...)

East Anglian Daily Times: Benedict Cumberbatch at the Shingle Street cottage where part of The Child in Time was filmed. Picture: PINEWOOD TELEVISION/SUNNY MARCH/CHARLIE BESTBenedict Cumberbatch at the Shingle Street cottage where part of The Child in Time was filmed. Picture: PINEWOOD TELEVISION/SUNNY MARCH/CHARLIE BEST (Image: WARNING: Use of this copyright image is subject to the terms of use of BBC Pictures' Digital Picture Service (BBC Pictures) a...)