SORRY to keep harping on about the wonders of Sky Atlantic but I’ve discovered another televisual treasure there which has become compulsory viewing.

For a rollicking, over the top fantasy adventure, Game Of Thrones is in a league of its own.

The early trailers didn’t look too promising. It appeared to be a non-league Lord of the Rings with Sean Bean being Sean Bean for long periods.

But in reality what we’ve been given is a gloriously outrageous adventure story complete with mythical creatures, warring kingdoms and the finest dwarf character ever seen on TV.

Of course it’s all nonsense, but it’s quite brilliant nonsense aided by a huge production budget.

Bean is ruler of one of the seven kingdoms – in the north in case you couldn’t have guessed.

The King – Mark Addy being given the chance to over-act at will – is his closest friend.

There are rivals claiming the throne, foul deeds aplenty and enough violence and gratuitious nudity to send every sensitive creature reaching for the phone to complain every five minutes.

But put it all together and it works – brilliantly. Beneath all the violence there’s a clever script at work with great character development.

Bean is surprisingly compelling as the warlord with a heart but it is Peter Dinklage, as Tyrion the imp, who steals every scene.