OVER the past few weeks the Beeb's schedules have been awash with programmes about India to mark the anniversary of its independence.

But perhaps they've been saving the best until last with Michael Wood's The Story of India which began last night.

At one time Wood was seemingly never off the TV, the golden boy of the boffin world, bringing history to life with his youthful approach.

Now the years have passed and, rather like David Gower, the golden crown is more than tinged with silver, but Wood remains a great communicator.

The Indian subcontinent is so vast it requires someone of stature to be able to do its history justice and thankfully Wood is just the man.

Every so often the BBC embarks on a series which is must view' and it looks as though The Story of India could well be one such series.

Considering the important role it has played in shaping the fortunes of the UK and also on its cultural diversity it is remarkable how little we actually know about this land of great contrasts.

A considered - and entertaining - view of India cannot but help our understanding of this vast sub continent which can never be a bad thing. Too often we blunder along in virtual ignorance, so it's nice to see that TV is actually living up to its Reithian principles for once and educating the masses.