Radio: Pick of the Day

IN THE APTLY titled A Brief History (9pm R2), Honor Blackman (right) embroiders some skimpy research about knickers down the ages with humorous social commentary. Contributors and self-appointed experts include Dame Barbara Cartland and Jacqueline Gold (head of Ann Summers).

Underwear is just one of the items that acts like honey to a wasp for the Bristol shoplifters featured in the Afternoon Play - On the Rob (2.15pm R4). Rachel Bentham's docu-drama intercuts real confessionals with that of a fictional widow, played by Anna Massey.

Meanwhile, File on 4 (8pm R4) asks what happened to New Labour's promise of "a new life for animals". Good question.

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