Some of Sheffield's top sports venues have been transformed into TV sets for the filming of several high profile programmes.

Camera crews took over the Sheffield International Venues (SIV) facilities for the filming of BBC and ITV drama and entertainment shows.

Tiger Aspect Productions used Concord Sports Centre, in Shiregreen, as the backdrop for a new BBC Prison Drama, which will be aired early next year.

Ponds Forge International Sports Centre was recently used as a filming location for the BBC's Great British Menu programme, which will be screened in April next year, and ITV's Biggest Loser programme set to go out in January 2012.

The venue was also used for the filming of Cbeebies' 'Big Splash', which will be aired next month and will feature Rebecca Adlington helping local school children to improve their swimming technique.

The award-winning Sheffield City Hall was also used for a BBC Radio 4 Comedy Panel Show.

SIV operates one of the largest concentrations of diverse elite and community sports and entertainment venues in Europe including the City Hall, the English Institute of Sport Sheffield (EISS) and the Motorpoint Arena.

It comes as Sheffield City Hall has been shortlisted for another national award. The SIV facility has been nominated for the best large venue at the Eventia Awards on November 18.

Richard Knight, Location Manager for Tiger Aspect, said: "Our experience of filming on an SIV property was overwhelmingly positive. All members of staff were extremely helpful and willing to embrace our often complex requirements. This all helped to make a very smooth and straightforward shoot."

This year, SIV has also hosted BBC camera crews for filming of Arabic Question Time, which goes out to an estimated 30 million viewers, at Sheffield City Hall.

Other SIV hosted televised events include the Songs of Praise School Choir Competition at the City Hall, the World Short Track Speed Skating Championships, from the Motorpoint Arena, and the FINA World Diving Series, at Ponds Forge.

Dominic Stokes, General Manager for SIV Events said: "SIV has one of the most diverse portfolios of facilities in the country, which provide unique backdrops for TV and film. Our range of venues, combined with SIV's experience in accommodating large scale filming projects, means we are fast developing a reputation as the city and company of choice for TV production companies.

"As the backdrop for these latest high profile BBC and ITV programmes, SIV and Sheffield will be broadcast to millions of viewers. This can only support us in procuring more events for Sheffield and further boosting the city's profile."