HEARTBEAT
(based on the Constable books, written by Nicholas Rhea)

The first episode of Heartbeat appeared on television on the 10th April 1992, filmed on location in and around the village of Goathland (Aidensfield in the TV series). Goathland is a small moorland village situated on the beautiful North York Moors nine miles from the fishing port of Whitby. The series told the story of the life of a rural police constable in the Britain of the sixties, who had escaped the rat-race of the Met in London, to become a village "bobby" in Yorkshire.
With its mix of strong story lines, beautiful scenery and pop music, such as Buddy Holly, the Beatles etc, the drama soon became a huge hit with young and old alike, and is still one of ITV's top 5 performing shows.

In the 16 years that Heartbeat has been on our screens, the Post Office has been seen in most of its 300 + episodes, in fact every episode (if you count the opening shot). Whilst the outside has always been Aidensfield Post Office, the inside has been used as a set for other things, including a sweet shop.

Attched to the real - life Goathland Post Office, is another smaller shop and a cottage. The shop is often seen in Heartbeat as Marjorie's Beauty Salon, and the little cottage is still used as nurse Cassidy's flat.

Derek Fowlds achieved fame for his part as Mr.Derek, partner to the famous TV puppet - Basil Brush. He then went on to play Bernard in "Yes Minister" and "Yes Prime Minister" before joining "Heartbeat" in 1992. The character Oscar Blaketon, was born in Haworth in Yorkshire, and before joining the police force, he served in the army. Following a heart attack, Sgt. Oscar Blaketon was forced to take early retirement, and took over the position of Postmaster at Aidensfield Post Office in May 1968. Even as Postmaster, Oscar still took an interest in the local villains, keeping a watchful eye, and his ear to the ground.