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Paul O'Grady celebrates life before Radio 2 with the first of a of two-part series on the history of The Light Programme. The Story Of The Light looks back at more than 20 years of ground-breaking variety from 1945 to 1967 - a time when comedy and light entertainment mixed with music and drama to create a truly British take on the post-war world.

Two Way Family Favourites, Housewives Choice, Dick Barton, Hancock's Half Hour, ITMA - It's That Man Again, and Mrs Dales Diary were among the seminal gems that graced the airwaves in those halcyon times. Among those remembering their part in the story are Dame June Whitfield, Judith Chalmers, Nicholas Parsons, Petula Clark, Pete Murray and the late Brian Matthew in his last interview before he died. Others remembering the Light with affection include Dame Esther Rantzen and Denis Norden and the late Paul Hollingdale who became the first voice on Radio 2.

Paul O'Grady says: "We're looking back at the way we were. Taking you back to a time when wireless meant tuning a dial on a wooden box filled with glowing valves, to find a world of great orchestras, unforgettable voices and timeless comedy. And just wait till you hear Esther Rantzen sing the various theme tunes!"

In Part Two, there's trouble at sea with growing competition from the pop pirates, as outlawed DJ Johnnie Walker tries to get the cast of Mrs Dale's Diary arrested. Meanwhile Angela Rippon tells us why The Navy Lark is still one of her favourites. The 麻豆社 goes Round The Horne but doesn't get the true meaning of what Julian and Sandy were really saying. Finally, the Light Programme becomes Radio 1 and 2 as Tony Blackburn and Paul Hollingdale split the Light forever.

The Story of the Light is produced by Derek Webster and Ashley Byrne and is a Made in Manchester Production for 麻豆社 Radio 2.