John Le Mesurier, Ian Lavender and Bill Pertwee star in four more episodes of this radio sequel to Dad's Army...

This two-disc CD collection includes four episodes (episodes 4-7) of the '80s radio series It Sticks Out Half a Mile, which was originally supposed to star Arthur Lowe's Dad's Army character George Mainwaring's plans to renovate a decrepit seaside pier. Mainwaring has now retired as a bank manager, and when he comes to secure a bank loan, it's former chief cashier Arthur Wilson (John Le Mesurier) that ensures that the loan goes through. While a pilot was recorded with Lowe, before the show could be commissioned Lowe had died. His widow, however, urged the creators to re-write the show so that Dad's Army characters Bert Hodges (Bill Pertwee) and Frank Pike (Ian Lavender) buy the pier between them.

The series is set in 1948 and follows some of the characters from Dad's Army as they attempt to rejuvenate a local seaside pier to attract tourists.

Inspecting the Piles: In order to save money, Hodges, Pike and Wilson decide to inspect the foundations of Frambourne Pier in an inflatable rubber dinghy - at night.

Pike in Love: Uncle Arthur is called in to give Pike a lesson on the birds and the bees.

The Friends of Frambourne Pier: Pike and Hodges decide to launch a campaign asking for volunteers. And so The Friends of Frambourne Pier Association (FOFPA) is born.

The First Meeting: The first meeting of The Friends of Frambourne Pier Association is convened. Arthur Wilson attends, but has to explain his evening out to a suspicious Mrs Pike.

These four episodes, while never reaching the quality heights of Dad's Army, are entertaining enough. And, if you're a fan of Dad's Army, it's well worth catching up with what some of the main characters have been up to since World War II ended.

7

Darren Rea