Playwright James Graham, whose TV work has included Quiz and Brexit: The Uncivil War, has created a new fictional crime drama series for the BBC.

Sherwood, set in the Nottinghamshire ex-mining village where he grew up, will follow police as they investigate two shocking murders that spark one of the largest manhunts in British history.

Graham, 38, has penned all six episodes of the first series and will also serve as executive producer.

"It means the world to have this opportunity to bring the voices of a community I grew up in to BBC One," he said.

"So much is spoken about the divisions and difficulties in these 'Red Wall' towns, but they're not always understood.

"I feel so honoured to be able to tell a fictionalised story about a very real trauma, but with the humour and heart and resilience of the people I know and love there."

Piers Wenger, the BBC's director of drama, added: "In blending real and fictional events, James has created a penetrating, heartfelt and purposeful thriller which exposes the tensions and fault lines at the heart of modern Britain.

"Sherwood is set to be an exceptional series by one of our greatest dramatists and we are proud to be bringing it to BBC One."

Filming on the series will begin later this year in Nottinghamshire with the expectation that the show will air on BBC One in early 2022.