Classic vintage highlights from the much-loved radio soap.

The world's longest-running drama, The Archers, has delighted audiences ever since its launch on 1st January 1951. Today, over five million fans across generations and across the world tune in, hooked on the epic saga of everyday life in the rural village of Ambridge.

This collection takes a look back at the early years of the iconic show, from the 1950s to the 1970s, and follows the fortunes of some of its pivotal characters, including Jack and Peggy Archer, Walter Gabriel, Sid Perks, and Brian and Jennifer Aldridge. Here are some of the most memorable moments from Ambridge's history: Grace Archer's tragic death in a stable fire; Tom Forrest's arrest for manslaughter; the wedding of Tony and Pat; the birth of Phil and Jill's daughter, Elizabeth—and their subsequent worries about her heart; and the shock of Jennifer's illegitimate baby.

Also featured is a compilation of farming catastrophes that shaped the lives of the residents, including Dan Archer's devastating discovery of fowl pest in his poultry, plus a selection of Christmas celebrations throughout the years, where we hear tidings of the births of Debbie Aldridge and John Archer and drop in on shows in the village hall.

Covering all the major Archers milestones over the first three decades, this compendium of classic highlights offers lifelong listeners an ideal opportunity to relive their favourite storylines, while giving newer fans the perfect chance to catch up with key events from Ambridge's past.

Due to the vintage nature of these recordings, the sound quality may vary.

Track listing:

1. Introduction

2. Grace and Phil

3. George and Nora

4. Walter Gabriel

5. Tom Forrest

6. Phil and Jill (Part 1)

7. Phil and Jill (Part 2)

8. Farming Catastrophes

9. Sid and Polly

10. Jack and Peggy

11. Pat and Tony

12. Brian and Jennifer

13. Christmas in Ambridge 

Production credits:

Written by Brian Hayles, Edward J Mason, Keith Miles, Bruno Milna, William Smethurst, David Turner and Geoffrey Webb.

Produced by Tony Shryane.

Editor: Godfrey Baseley.

Cast includes:

Peggy Archer—Thelma Rogers/June Spencer

Jack Archer—Dennis Folwell

Doris Archer—Gwen Berryman

Grace Fairbrother/Archer—Ysanne Churchman

Tom Forrest—Bob Arnold

Walter Gabriel—Chris Gittins

Nelson Gabriel—Jack May

Dan Archer—Harry Oakes/Monte Crick/Edgar Harrison

Phil Archer—Norman Painting

Jill Archer—Patricia Greene

Sid Perks—Alan Devereux

Polly Mead/Perks—Hilary Newcombe

George Barford—Graham Roberts

Christine Archer—Lesley Saweard

Nora McAuley—Julia Mark

Brian Aldridge—Charles Collingwood

Jennifer Archer/Aldridge—Angela Piper

Carol Grey—Anne Cullen

Pat Lewis/Archer—Patricia Gallimore

Tony Archer—Colin Skipp

Lilian Archer—Margaret Lane/Elizabeth Marlowe

First broadcast March 1952-December 1982 on the BBC Home Service, BBC Light Programme and BBC Radio 4.