The North East has a proud history of producing award winning, long running children’s drama. The popular and groundbreaking Byker Grove ran for 18 series. This was closely followed by 5 series of The Story of Tracey Beaker leading to spin off series The Dumping Ground, currently filming its 15th series in Hexham, Northumberland. We’re pleased that many crew over the past 37 years have had an opportunity to work on these programmes and that there are companies now in the region who are continuing the tradition of producing quality children’s programming.
We are delighted that three children’s programmes produced in the region have been shortlisted for awards at the 2026 RTS North East and the Borders Awards taking place in Gateshead at the end of the month.
The Dumping Ground by BBC Studios for CBBC and My Life: Top Dog by Northumberland based Rock Paper Productions for CBBC have both been shortlisted in the Children’s category and Aneeshwar’s Outdoor Adventures by MCC Media for 5 has been shortlisted in the Broadcast Shortform category.
Sunderland based MCC Media have already dominated the children’s genre with their hit Milkshake/ 5 show Cooking with the Gills. Both programmes have been supported by the North East Production Fund, and we are delighted they continue to produce such popular programming.
The North East Production Fund, managed on behalf of the North East Screen Industries Partnership by North East Screen is helping to drive growth and providing better jobs and opportunities for North East people and businesses. As well as this North East Screen have, for the past 3 years worked closely with the BBC and The Dumping Ground to give access to new entrants, opening doors to the industry and facilitating established to crew to progress and step up into higher roles with work on the popular children’s drama.
We wish all three companies the best of luck for the awards and look forward to their future programmes.
If you’d like to find out more about our skills programmes, activity or speak to our Film Office about filming in the region please contact us.
