Lark Rise to Candleford (2008)

The first series of this period drama - adapted from Flora Thomson's memoirs of her Oxfordshire childhood - picked up strong critical acclaim. A second series followed a year later.

The story follows the tale of Laura Timmins (Olivia Hallinan). When a new baby arrives in the Timmins family, Laura is forced to leave the family home and embark on a new life. Having spent her early years in the small hamlet of Lark Rise, in late 19th-century Oxfordshire, Laura finds herself working in the post office, the hub of the bustling market town of Candleford, under the watchful eye of the woman who is to become her mentor, the effervescent Dorcas Lane (Julia Sawalha). The quality ensemble cast also includes Dawn French, Liz Smith, Ben Miles, Mark Heap and Brendan Coyle.