A new TV show will explore some of the iconic sites, lesser-known gems and local people of Dorset.

Dorset: Country and Coast is a six-part series coming to Channel 5 and starting tonight.

Narrated by Alan Titchmarsh, it will show the county's beautiful rolling countryside, its charming seaside towns and the world-renowned Jurassic Coast.

A spokesperson for the show said: "We explore Dorset's most iconic sites, uncover lesser-known gems, and examine daily Dorset life through a variety of perspectives - from locals to holidaymakers and farmers to wildlife conservationists - and immerse ourselves in the sights, sounds and tastes of the region."

The first episode will visit Lyme Regis as fossil hunters uncover a 200-million-year-old fossil on the beach.

Episode 1 will explore how the area became so famous for its fossils and how this brings thousands of fossil hunters to the town every year.

The documentary will also feature renowned chef and restaurateur Mark Hix and accompany him on a fishing trip to catch sea bass that will later feature on his menu.

We then travel inland to Mapperton House with its luscious Grade II listed gardens, tended by Viscountess of Sandwich, Caroline Montague.

Beyond the gardens, some new residents have recently moved into the grounds in the form of beavers and wild Exmoor ponies.

Both are part of an ambitious rewilding project designed to encourage a wider and more diverse range of species to flourish on the estate.

On the coast, the show moves to the east of the county to visit the sought-after beach huts of Mudeford, transformed from the basic fishing sheds from 100 years ago into luxurious holiday homes.

The small huts carry a hefty price tag, with sales of some reaching almost half a million pounds.

Many of the beach huts have remained within families for generations and few of those lucky enough to own one would consider parting with it.

Dorset contains more thatched properties than any other county in the UK.

Father and son thatchers Nick and Mike Farwell will feature in the show, their skill and dedication to their craft are keeping the ancient art of thatching alive for generations to come.

Dorset: Country and Coast begins Wednesday, July 26 at 8pm on Channel 5.