THE seaside town of Minehead will be one of many areas of Somerset to feature in a new Channel 5 documentary on the county which airs next week.

The first episode of Somerset: Wonder Of The West Country, will be shown on Thursday, February  29 at 8pm on Channel 5.

West Somerset Steam Railway will be the first focal point of the first episode featuring Minehead, as the team will try to navigate one of the country’s more challenging heritage railway lines and attempt to serve a luxury dining experience to a packed carriage whilst on the move.

On Facebook, a spokesperson for West Somerset Railway said: "We are very excited to announce that the railway will feature in Somerset - Wonder of the Westcountry on Channel 5 on Thursday 29th February at 8pm!"

The team will also meet popular local ice-cream maker David Baker, as he trials two new flavours at his popular seaside ice cream vans.

The episode will also feature Forde Abbey and its gardens for its first-ever end of summer plant fair, holiday lets on the port of Watchet’s East Quay, and the the National Ploughing Competition in Bishop's Lydeard.

A spokesperson for Somerset: Wonder Of The West Country, said: "From heritage railways to famous castles, beautiful gardens to bucket-and-spade resorts, this series offers a celebration of the best and most picturesque slices of Somerset's landscape, attractions and events.

"Narrated by Alan Titchmarsh, this visually rich, warm and immersive series explores the county's most beautiful and iconic sites, uncovers lesser-known hidden gems, and meets some of the people who live and work in this glorious West Country location."

Exmoor Wildlife Safaris is also set to feature in the series in episode four.

A spokesperson for the business said on Facebook: "NEWSFLASH!! Here is our exciting news - we will be featuring on episode four.

"We spent a lovely day out on Safari filming for this TV series back in November - so I'm guessing episode four will be transmitted towards the end of March - fingers crossed."

Bridgwater Carnival has also been confirmed to feature in the Channel 5 series, as confirmed by the event's publicity director, Dave Stokes.