A FAMILIAR piece of TV history has gone on the market – but would-be buyers will have to dig deep into their pockets.

The village shop in Goathland, on the North York Moors near Whitby, has come up for sale with a price tag of just short of £500,000.

The business is known to millions around the world as the village shop in TV’s Heartbeat, the gently-nostalgic series that was a huge success and ran for 18 years.

Current owner Phil Hopkinson bought what was then Goathland Stores in 1993, a year after the show was first broadcast.

Recognising its tourism potential, he re-named it Aidensfield Stores after the fictional village in which the programme was set.

The show proved to be a huge success, attracting almost 15 million viewers at the peak of its popularity, and it ran for 18 series before it was cancelled in 2010.

It also turned Goathland into a tourism hotspot, sending annual visitor figures soaring above a million and attracting about 2,000 coaches each summer.

With repeats regularly shown on British TV and in various other countries across the globe the village remains a big draw for visitors.

The shop itself often played a central role in the show – scenes were occasionally even filmed inside and once its windows were even blown out in a special effects explosion.

Now the store, along with a sister business three doors away, White Rose Crafts and Clothing, is being sold for £495,000 for the freehold, business goodwill, fixtures and fittings plus stock at valuation.

The price also includes living accommodation compromising three bedrooms, lounge, kitchen, separate dining room and family bathroom.

Chartered surveyor Rosie Crux from York-based sole selling agents Barry Crux & Company, said: "We are excited to offer such a rare opportunity to the market.

"This is a hugely successful business in a fantastic location and is part of TV history due to its long standing association with Heartbeat, the popular drama series.

"It is not only a thriving business but also provides a purchaser the chance to benefit from a unique lifestyle in the heart of North Yorkshire."