A CORNER of Monmouth was transformed into Victorian England last night for the filming of a new Dr Who episode.

Beaufort Arms Court was transformed with shop signs, bales of hay and fake snow into a scene for a special episode of the new BBC TV series.

Stars Christopher Ecclestone as the timelord, Billie Piper as his assistant Rose Tyler, and Simon Callow were filming in the early hours today from 2am to 6am.

The episode features Dr Who meeting Charles Dickens, played by the Four Weddings and a Funeral star Callow.

There was no sign of Daleks or the Tardis as local people watched as the scene was prepared.

Signs for Sneed and Company Undertakers were placed in the square and modern shops were transformed into a chimney sweep's and a fishmonger's.

The episode is set at Christmas in 1869 and was written by Mark Gatiss. It is set to be screened next year.

Film location vehicles took up part of the Cattle Market car park in Monmouth as filming got under way in the centre of the town.

As the crew put the last-minute touches to the snow scene on the cobbled streets and made sure any traces of the 21st century were well and truly hidden away, extras arrived in Victorian costume.

Filming began at 9.30pm and the familiar shouts of 'Action' and 'Cut' could be heard echoing around the town. The stars themselves filmed later.

The cult show will certainly be eagerly anticipated by fans and the people of Monmouth who are eager to see the results of the transformation.