INSPECTOR George Gently actor Martin Shaw buried a time capsule at the new headquarters of the police force that provides locations for the popular detective series.

The BBC 1 drama, set in the 1960's North-East, is filmed at County Durham police stations.

The force recently moved from its 1960s-built headquarters at Aykley Heads in Durham City to a modern building a stone’s throw away.

To mark the move, a time capsule was filled with objects – including a copy of today’s edition (Monday, November 24) of The Northern Echo – and buried in the new HQ's memorial garden.

Mr Shaw, who was shown the force’s new nerve centre, agreed to do the honours.

The actor, who has spent the last four months filming the next series, said: “They explained to me that Durham police force is all about community as well as policing.

“That is something that we have found particularly obvious when we are filming George Gently because it can be very tricky if you don’t have the co-operation of the police. We have had full co-operation from day one.

“We film 12 to 15 hours a day so I don’t get a chance to explore County Durham as much as possible but I do think it is a very beautiful place, I love being here.

“Every time I come up here I make a beeline to the Cathedral whenever I can. It is one of the most beautiful places on earth. I recently discovered Finchale Abbey (on the outskirts of Durham City) and that is beautiful and the woodland around it. I just think the whole county of phenomenal. I love the place.”

Chief Supt Ivan Wood said the capsule included items such as newspaper cuttings, a mobile phone, handcuffs, a truncheon and pieces of IT equipment.

He added that two capsules buried at the old headquarters when it was built had been unearthed but have yet to be opened.