HUNDREDS of people turned out to see the filming of ITV's Vera in Darlington - with some dedicated "superfans" arriving as early as 7am.

Despite the chilly conditions, hundreds of onlookers turned out to the cordoned off Town Hall to try and catch a glimpse of filming for the twelfth series.

And among those was Darlington woman, Samantha Jakeway who turned out to the makeshift set almost an hour before filming.

Read more: ITV Vera cast and crew descend onto Darlington as town is transformed into set

The superfan told The Northern Echo: "I've been here since 8am on my own and hoping to see Vera, hoping to get a few photos."

The Northern Echo: Picture: JIM SCOTTPicture: JIM SCOTT

The mother, whose daughter declined the trip down to see filming, watches episodes and re-runs of the show almost every night, much to her family's plight.

But describing her excitement as film crews arrived, she said was left "surprised" by the turnout at such an early time.

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She added: "I watch Vera every night, repeat after repeat, I just wish they were a bit longer or a weekly thing.

"I'm surprised by the turnout and wasn't expecting so many here, but she (Vera) is quite well-liked and I've never heard anyone say a bad thing about it."

The Northern Echo: Picture: PAUL NORRISPicture: PAUL NORRIS

Another woman, who asked to remain anonymous, travelled from Bishop Auckland at 7am to secure her spot behind the cordon, along with her daughter.

She said: "This is the closest we've ever been, we've been to the filming locations but have never seen filming. 

"My daughter has been a Vera fan since she was six or seven." 

Although Brenda Blethyn, who plays DCI Vera Stanhope in the hit series, could not attend, her sidekick filmed a number of scenes both inside, and out.

Kenny Doughty plays DS Aiden Healy in the show and is well-known for his calmer approach to crimes.

But it was not just members of the public keen to get a glimpse of the action as Doughty came full circle and posed with members from Durham Police.

The Northern Echo: Picture: DURHAM POLICEPicture: DURHAM POLICE

On Facebook, the force said: "PCSOs Sarah Smith and Chris Peacock managed to grab this quick snap with Kenny Doughty, who plays DS Aiden Healy, in between filming."

As filming concluded, Darlington Borough Council said filming had been "fantastic," adding that the team inside the Town Hall were feeling a bit "starstruck."

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