The BBC has been accused of taking "hideous liberties" after it emerged new Norfolk-based series Boomers was actually filmed in Kent - to save cash.

The comedy, which boasts a "stellar cast", is described by Executive Producer Shane Allen as a " very modern, affectionate and brutally honest" take on the lives of the retired.

It follows the ups and downs of three couples living in fictional Thurnemouth - "Norfolk's only West-facing resort".

But the programme makers and BBC have been accused of deception after it emerged it

was actually filmed over 150 miles away

... in Herne Bay.

Carol Bower, the mayor of Hunstanton, Norfolk's only West-facing seaside town, was less than impressed.

She said: "It's a shame it's not being filmed in Hunstanton. We're massively different to Kent and it would have done wonders for us.

"Hopefully the BBC have done their research. It would bug me a little if the show is misleading.

"We are a very proud Victorian-style town, so for people here it would be odd if the place looked nothing like Hunstanton."

Hat Trick productions, who made the programme for the BBC, said: "While Boomers is set in the fictional town of Thurnemouth in Norfolk, the seaside scenes were actually shot in Herne Bay in Kent"

A spokesman blamed "simple budgetary reasons" for the decision.

Keith Skipper, who founded the Friends of Norfolk Dialect, said: "It's the same old story. There's this perpetual business about confusing one part of the country with another.

"Why they take such hideous liberties with Norfolk and Suffolk, I don't know."

Boomers stars much-loved British actors playing three couples.

"Why they take such hideous liberties with Norfolk and Suffolk, I don't know" - Keith Skipper

Joyce, played by Alison Steadman - well-known as Pamela in Gavin and Stacey, lives with Alan, played by Philip Jackson, who was in Poirot.

Trevor and Carol are played by James Smith, the ageing civil servant Glenn in political satire The Thick of It, and Paula Wilcox, who played Hilary Potts in Emmerdale.

West End stalwart Russ Abbot plays John. He lives with Maureen, played by Stephanie Beacham, who starred alongside Joan Collins in Dynasty.

John and Maureen approach retirement as if 60 is the new 40.

But there's a reminder of what's round the corner in Maureen's ever-present mother Joan, played by June Whitfield, who made regular appearances on Absolutely Fabulous.