Dad's Army

Dad's Army, written by Jimmy Perry and David Croft, ran for nine years with 80 episodes spread over nine series. It is recognised as one of the finest jewels in the UK's comedy crown.

Set during the Second World War, it focuses on a group of men in the small, fictional seaside town of Walmington-on-Sea. Due to their age, the men are not eligible for active service. They decide to set up their town's Local Defence Volunteers, later to become The Home Guard.

Led by bank manager Captain George Mainwaring (Arthur Lowe), the platoon also includes assistant bank manager Sgt Arthur Wilson (John Le Mesurier), butcher L-Cpl Jack Jones (Clive Dunn), undertaker Pte James Frazer (John Laurie), Pte Charles Godfrey (Arnold Ridley), Pte Joe Walker (a spiv, played by James Beck) and the young Pte Pike (Ian Lavender).

The sitcom - which took a little while to settle before becoming an all-time classic - spawned a full-length feature film, a stage show and radio series.