THE cast and crew of one of TV's best-loved hospital dramas are filming scenes on location in an old Usk courtroom.

Producers of Casualty, which is watched by millions on Saturday nights, are filming scenes in Sessions House - but the plotlines are under wraps and the set is closed to members of the public.

A spokesman for the drama confirmed filming was taking place in Usk this week, with a closed set to protect the plot.

Sessions House previously featured in the Hollywood blockbuster Cry Freedom.

It opened in 1877 and was the Quarter Sessions Court for Monmouthshire until after the Second World War, when one courtroom burned down and was not replaced. Sessions House then operated as a magistrates court until 1995.

It was rescued from decline when Usk Town Council bought it in 1999 for £90,000, with full support from the townspeople, who made the restoration of the building the town millennium project, which was to be retained as a historic building and civic centre for Usk.

Now it is a working building used by the town council, voluntary organisations and local groups.

Revenue from the hiring of the building goes towards maintaining its fabric and to continue its restoration.

The restored rooms are open to the public and are available for hire. Film crews and TV companies including the BBC, HTV Wales and BBC Radio are among those who have used it.

The courtroom is as it was 100 years ago and still has an impressive judge's chair, and all the benches have their original labels for solicitors, reporters and the jury etc.

Below the dock is a cell and a passageway, which once led to Usk prison next door. The council has been awarded a heritage lottery grant of £90,000 to replace the roof, restore and clean the outside of the building and provide disabled access and parking. Work starts on Monday.

On Friday the Old Smithy Gallery in Maryport Street, Usk, will be transformed into a coffee shop by the Casualty crew for a day of filming.