RADIO CHOICE

BRITAIN is geologically diverse, with many more types of rocks and sedimentary layers than elsewhere in Europe. This diversity can be seen to dramatic effect in Yorkshire, where the rolling moors, deep caves and wild coastline have been a source of inspiration to writers and artists, and where the rich mineral deposits have fuelled industry. All this week, Philip Jackson reads Richard Morris’s history of YORKSHIRE (RADIO 4, 9.45AM (FM), 12.30AM).

AN OLD wartime pal, ex-Squadron Leader Wilkinson, is having trouble with a sinister character, so Biggles flies to Canada. He lands at a remote airfield as the Arctic winter closes in and finds that ‘Wilks’ is in grave danger. His fledgling airline has hardly got off the ground, but someone wants it — and is prepared

to kill to get it. Michael Palin reads BIGGLES FLIES NORTH (RADIO 4

EXTRA, 2PM), an abridged eight-part version of a W.E. Johns classic.

THE silly but hugely entertaining panel show JUST A MINUTE (RADIO

4, 6.30PM) embarks on its 80th series tonight. Paul Merton, Jenny Eclair, Josie Lawrence and Tony Hawks are on the first show and will be invited, by Nicholas Parsons (pictured), to speak ‘without hesitation, repetition or deviation’ on musical theatre, office politics, Napoleon and other unrelated topics . . .