"It will definitely bring fans to the town" - Hebden Bridge business owners expecting boost to visitor numbers thanks to BBC drama Riot Women

The first series of Riot Women drew to a close on BBC One Sunday, and is the latest series from Sally Wainwright to have been filmed in Hebden Bridge following Happy Valley and Last Tango in Halifax.

Other drams, including The Gallows Pole and Ackley Bridge, have used Hebden Bridge as a filming location, all helping to put the town on the map.

And business owners are confident that will translate into more visitors to the area, and a subsequent boost in trade.

James Wilthew, from The Afghan Rug Shop, said: "The Calder Valley and Hebden Bridge in particular are becoming increasingly popular film locations for both small and big budget productions.

"It's generally all positive and almost always helps increase tourist numbers to town, of course there is always some minor disruption for the days film crews are about, but it’s a very short term issue for what is otherwise much longer-term gain for our lovely town in terms of visitor numbers.

"Riot Women seems to have been generally well received, only time will tell if it's as popular as Happy Valley, but the numbers of tourists certainly won't be going down anytime soon."

Kate Henderson, from The Tonic Tribe, said: "I think, as with Happy Valley, it will definitely bring fans to the town to check out the locations and get the Hebden Bridge experience, which is always a positive thing.

"I am about to launch a new business called WILD:her, which absolutely taps into the Riot Women audience, so for me it’s a double plus.

"WILD:her provides cheeky little adventures around Hebden Bridge for menopausal women - day trip and weekend experiences where we’ll amble the beautiful countryside, saunter to a secret sauna spot, giggle around the fire pit and meander on to a cosy pub for dinner.

"So it’s perfect for riot women!"

Greg Baker, from Craft and Canvas, said: "With all these things it’s hard to say, but Riot Women is an amazing show as was Happy Valley, Gentleman Jack etc.

"I am sure it will have a positive impact but often its the second series that starts to build interest and given the ending of the current series there could be another in the offing.

"Our shop Craft and Canvas, was used in the filming, so we have already had people saying they have seen us on the show.

"As always, Sally Wainwright makes impactful and thought provoking TV and we all hope it boosts the town."

Nicki Garner, from Hebden Bridge Cruises, thinks the series has already had a positive impact.

"I've had a few guests already that watched it and decided to come and stay in Hebden Bridge," she said.

"We've had Tamsin Greig and Rosalie Craig on Hebden Brisge Cruises with their families."

Trish Banyard, from Hebden Bridge Antiques Centre, said: "Filming here in Hebden is undoubtedly good for trade and the town itself.

"All residents and shopkeepers love to see our town on TV.

"Whilst dodging various TV and film crews that take up residence in our town, we know that their creative efforts will bring trade and tourism to our beautiful town.

"Sally Wainwright tells the stories of our people. Happy Valley became beloved and I hope to see the latest creation become equally loved."