Down Your Way Revisited

Down Your Way was one of Britain's longest-running radio series.

It started in 1946 when BBC producer Leslie Perowne hit on the idea of spinning out a popular music programme on the BBC Home Service with short interviews with members of the public.

The idea was an instant success, and Down Your Way became a staple of the BBC's radio schedules for decades.

At the height of its success in the 1950s - when television had yet to make a significant impact - it was attracting 10 million listeners a week. It finished its run in 1992.

Cultural historian Professor Jeffrey Richards argues that Down Your Way portrayed a 'heritage Britain', intent on preserving the past, which provided listeners with a reassurance that - despite all appearances to the contrary - nothing would ever really change in their green and pleasant land.

Producer: Libby Cross

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 2006.