THE BBC's 'Coast' team had only planned a flying visit to Arnside it seems.

But members of the crew for the popular television series were so impressed by what they found last week, that they ended up staying all day.

"It was perfect for them," said Jules Orr of The Posh Sardine. "The sun was shining and the views were fantastic. I can't wait for next spring when the programme goes out."

Hopefully 'Coast' will have captured some of the magic which draws people to Arnside, to work and to live as well as to play.

Certainly the mood in the village suggested that it is enjoying an even busier summer than usual thanks to the popularity of 'staycations' (holidays spent at home).

"People don't want the effort of going abroad," said Lesley Hornsby, proprietor of award-winning boutique guest house No.43, which has been given a 5-star highly commended rating by the AA, putting it in the top 10 per cent in the country.

"And they like what they find in Arnside. It's got such positivity about it at the moment.

“As well as people on holiday, we are putting up a lot of people who are house-hunting. They moved away as youngsters but want to come back with their families to have a good quality of life."

Tim Woodburn, on the other hand, has lived in Arnside all his life. Two-and-a-half years ago he and wife Erin bought The Bakehouse shop and cafe and business has been so brisk that the couple are opening a branch in Milnthorpe in the next few weeks.

"More and more people are discovering Arnside," said Tim, who employs 10 full and part-time staff. "And when they find it, Arnside sells itself. We go out of our way to make everyone feel welcome and there aren't many places like us any more."

A few doors up at The Little Shop, Liz McGonagle explained how she had regular customers from all over the North West.

"But I am very lucky because I get a lot of local support as well."

Like so many people who have 'discovered' Arnside, Liz reckons she would find it difficult to leave.

"When you have experienced Arnside you realise it has got a draw about it that brings people back time and time again."

Perhaps it's the sunsets - "the best in the world" according to David Miller, who has been running Arnside Chip Shop and The Big Chip Cafe with the help of sons Robin and Simon for the past 17-and-a-half years.

There's no one more proud than David - who collects empty cans and tinfoil to help raise funds for Guide Dogs for the Blind - when he spies people watching the sun go down while eating his fish and chips.

Bullough's newsagent's boss Ian Bullough took over the running of his parents' shop in 1993 and has lived in the village for 20 years.

"You can't beat it," he said. "There's so much to do around here, so much to explore ..."

Local Jean Monk agrees. Enjoying coffee and cake with her 14-year-old grandson Jack at The Posh Sardine she said: "There are some beautiful walks.”

"And whatever the weather," added Jules Orr, owner of The Posh Sardine, "gloomy, or sunshine, it is so atmospheric. There's a general friendliness about the place as well."

There was certainly a warm welcome when the Gazette made its final call of the day to Christine and Ian Kelly of Arnside Ironing and Laundry, who are based just off the promenade up Pier Lane.

Christine, who boasts a real cross-section of customers - from busy mums and elderly housebound, to holidaymakers and executives - is a firm believer in quality and service, and a strong supporter of the 'use it or lose it' school of thought.

"It is so important to support village shops," she said, "especially as we are fortunate to have everything, a post office, a chemist, even an airport train service.

"People describe Arnside as a sleepy village. But it not that at all. It is a thriving village in every shape and form."