MAGIC is happening behind at the scenes at a showground near Hale.

Ashley Hall, in Ashley Road, was chosen as the location for filming the new star-studded CBBC series The Worst Witch.

The Worst Witch is a re-imagining of the much-loved Jill Murphy books about Mildred Hubble, who is catapulted into Miss Cackle’s Academy For Witches.

The 12-part drama is a collaboration between CBBC, Netflix and ZDF, which has allowed for a budget far beyond that usually spend on children’s television programmes.

The special effects were designed by the Doctor Who team and the show boasts a stellar cast.

Bella Ramsey, who plays the formidable child ruler Lyanna Mormont in Game of Thrones, takes the lead as Mildred Hubble, Olivier award-winning actress Clare Higgins, of Doctor Who, The Golden Compass, Downton Abbey fame, stars as headteacher Miss Cackle, and Downtown co-star Raquel Cassidy plays deputy head Miss Hardbroom.

Amanda Holden recently spoke of her excitement of having a bit-part as Miss Pentangle, the headmistress of Miss Pentangle’s Academy of Witches.

TEM locations manager Heather Clawson said the team were thrilled it to welcome BBC and ZDF.

“Ashley Hall is the perfect location for filming this fabulous series,” she added.

“The Event Barns are a hugely versatile place for private and corporate events and of course – a place to develop creative ideas for TV and film in the studio and sound stage setting.”

Ashley Hall comprises of 20,000 sq ft of event space, which was converted into stages for the nine-month filming period and includes 3500 sq ft green screen studio for special effects.

Henry Brooks, founder of TEM Property, said: “On behalf of the Tatton Estate, we are honoured to host the BBC/ZDF for the filming of this most exciting CBBC production. The Tatton Estate offers a huge range of locations across Cheshire which have already featured in various programmes such as BBC2’s Peaky Blinders, Channel 4’s Fresh Meat, BBC1’s Last Tango in Halifaxand the BBC’s CBeebies Show Me Show Me and Something Special.”

The fondly remembered original TV adaptation of The Worst Witch ran for three series between 1998 and 2001 on ITV.

The first episode of the new series was aired on Wednesday January 11.