07/05/2009

Human stories from behind the global headlines. With Matthew Bannister.

On today's programme: Swat valley; Liu Yan; and the Mini at 50.

Mingora
Thousands of people have been fleeing the Swat valley in North West Pakistan as clashes between the Pakistan army and Taleban militants intensify. Outlook talks to Adnan, a resident of the valley's main town Mingora, about life amidst the fighting.

Liu Yan
Liu Yan was China's prima ballerina and was supposed to play a leading role at last year's opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympics. But her dreams were shattered when she was involved in an accident during the final rehearsal and was left paralysed from the waist-down. Liu tells us about adjusting to life in a wheelchair.

The Mini at 50
One of Britain's most iconic motor cars, the Mini, is celebrating its 50 birthday this year. Matthew Bannister talks to Ian Cummings who has worked at the factory in central England for more than forty years and Simon Garfield, the author of a book about the people involved in the car's creation.