THE first episode of a documentary series starring a popular service station aired at the weekend.

Channel 4’s A Lake District Farm Shop follows staff and the local producers and crafters who ensure the smooth running of family-run Tebay Services, which lies on junction 39 of the M6.

During the first of four episodes, which aired on Saturday, July 10, viewers had a chance to delve into the history of the services which was opened by John and Barbara Dunning in 1972 after the M6 was built through their farm.

Viewers also met Tebay butcher Dave Morland, who has been providing the services with locally bred meat for 14 years.

Cameras toured the butchers before following Mr Morland as he headed to the Coniston fells to meet with fifth generation farmer Richard Clegg, who rears Herdwick sheep.

Viewers also saw owner of Ambleside restaurant Wabi Sabi, Bing Cao, as he foraged for ingredients to impress Tebay Service’s head buyer Alex Evans-whose discerning tastes are hard-won.

The former Harrods buyer, who has worked for the services for 15 years, is always on the hunt for great local produce to put on the farmshop's shelves and was impressed by Mr Cao's idea to sell ramen kits from the shop.

"We're promoting Cumbrian produce to a national audience," he said.

Cameras also spent the morning with artisan baker Patrick Moore as he began baking the thousands of bread rolls needed for the service’s morning surge of hungry customers.