Who's Who In The Archers 2002: New Edition by Keri Davies (BBC Books, £3.50).

I JUST love this book. It's like a Little Thoughts of Chairman Mao (only it has a green cover, instead of red one, with tiny silhouettes of pigs, cows, chickens and something resembling a seal - does Borchester have a zoo?)

It's handy for the pocket and it comes at a price that's affordable for you to splash out and buy it as a gift for a recent recruit to the delights of Ambridge. They're the people who will find this essential reference guide a boon.

If you've been tuning into The Archers since 1648, then you'll know everything between its dinky covers. I, on the other hand, have only been a convert since 1977, so I was intrigued to learn that George Barford has a daughter, Higgs has a christian name, Titcombe does not, Jolene is really Doreen and Jean Paul's surname is Aubert - odd that, because the actor who plays him is Yves Aubert. Wonder if they're related?

Bang up-to date (it records Jill and Phil's new address and Ruth's pregnancy ... altogether now "Oh no!") I must say I am somewhat baffled by the fact that neither the actresses who speak the words of Alice Aldridge (Hollie Chapman) and Emma Carter (Felicity Jones) are named.

Given Emma's near-death experience on Friday, September 28, is Keri Davies privy to insider information (she is, after all, the programme's senior producer)?

And as a sucker for anything to do with Ambridge, I must say my belief was momentarily suspended over the progeny of Eddie Grundy's mate Baggy. Am I really expected to believe they're called Aslan, China, Sunshine and Buttercup?

David Chapman