THE people of Workington might believe this was a story that didn't need to be told, but The Ballad of Lucy Sands does do an excellent job of educating viewers about the tragic story of the teenager who was allegedly murdered in Cumbria over 100 years ago. 

Directed by Stephen Baldwin, this new TV drama explores the story of 16-year-old Lucy, who was found dead in Workington in 1881.

The Devon-based director deciphered a dream about Lucy back in 2011 and has spent the years since researching her death and filming the six-hour series, the first two episodes of which were released earlier in the summer. 

Ahead of episode three and four being shown at the Helena Thompson Museum December 1, with recap episodes planned for November 30, I sat down to digest the first two hours of the series. 

Over 300 Cumbrians were reportedly involved in the shooting of the show, which is fantastic for the region and for those who took part, but it also felt a little chaotic at times, in the first 30 minutes, trying to keep up with new names and faces. 

It also became clear that the series would regularly, and quite quickly, switch between the periods of time before and after Lucy's death, but as the show progresses you get used to these jumps.

Some of the performances are fantastic. Leah Emma as Lucy stands out in particular, but her Aunt and Grandma both show incredible emotion when learning of her death, while Mark-Allen Pilgrim as the Inspector also impressed me with a powerful performance.

The time and research spent on costumes and locations also ensures an excellent production value, and sharp-eyed Cumbrians will be able to spot scenes filmed across the region.

Stephen's goal as director was to shine a light on the lives of Lucy and her friends who also suffered in the wake of her death. 

This series goes another step in ensuring that the teenager will never be forgotten, not just by those in Cumbria but those who are learning of her story for the first time through this show - and that cannot be a bad thing. 

Of course, with any production like this there are likely to be things which can be improved, but in my opinion, the show wouldn't look out of place on mainstream television.

After watching the first two episodes, I am eagerly awaiting the next instalment, which is perhaps the highest praise I can give of this show - it really does hook you in.