On top of the world! Leeds writer Kay has a fashionable ball with 1966 and all that

SHE’S best known for penning hit TV dramas such as Band Of Gold, Fat Friends and In The Club.

Now, though, Leeds writer Kay Mellor is stepping out from behind the camera to front a BBC documentary about one of the most memorable years of the 20th century.

Living in ‘66 – Suits, Boots & Northern Roots is one of 11 regional documentaries that aim to capture how life really was in 1966.

They go beyond the oft-repeated stories of England’s World Cup win and Swinging London to hear from Yorkshire people who experienced what was a remarkable period of cultural change.

Kay looks specifically at Yorkshire fashion, visiting an archive at the University of Leeds and meeting women who made some of the vintage clothes that are now stored there.

She talks to Brian Rayner, who was a trainee cutter at Burtons when the firm worked its tailoring magic on suits for England’s World Cup squad.

Also featured is Rita Britton, owner of Barnsley’s famous Polyanna boutique.

Speaking during the documentary, Kay says: “It‘s been such a pleasure to hear everyone’s unique recollections of what was, for us, a very good year.

“I’ve loved reliving the clothes, hearing the music all over again, learning of how people’s lives were changing, and even totally transforming in ‘66.”

Living in ‘66 – Suits, Boots & Northern Roots goes out on BBC One Yorkshire & Lincolnshire at 7.30pm this Wednesday, June 1.

People fronting sister shows being broadcast in other parts of the country include former Emmerdale stars Patsy Kensit and Charlie Hardwick.