Berrow beach looked more like a Middle Eastern desert than a Somerset seaside village on Friday (July 15th) when camels were used during the filming of a new TV series!
TV personality Paul Merton, who is a familiar face on BBC1’s Have I Got News For You, visited the beach near Burnham-On-Sea on Friday to film a humorous, offbeat Channel 5 TV series about the British seaside.
TV production company Tiger Aspect picked Berrow to film the unique match of camel polo for the series, as pictured here. The animals were filmed taking part in a series of polo matches while Mr Merton commentated.
A small crowd of onlookers gathered on the beach to watch the unusual spectacle, including photographers. Mr Merton seemed to enjoy all the attention.
Sedgemoor District Council’s property manager, Tim Mander, who negotiated the location deal, told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “It was great that Berrow was chosen to host this unusual event and we welcomed such a well-liked and indeed loved TV personality as Paul Merton.”
He added: “The fact that Berrow continues to be the preferred location of numerous production companies is a testament both to the beauty and accessibility of the beach.”
The council says coverage like this helps to promote Berrow and the Burnham area as a beach holiday location.
Berrow recently featured in a CBBC children’s drama in October 2010 while Casualty filmed part of an episode in January 2011 on the same beach.
More recently, Frank Bruno and Sooty and Sweep have filmed programmes on neighbouring Brean beach.
The film crews record the action while Paul Merton commentates
The camels raced across Berrow beach during Friday’s polo match
Paul Merton speaking with the camel’s owners during the filming
The TV cameras filmed every angle of the unique polo game
Mr Merton with Burnham-On-Sea.com’s photographer, Jason Adams
