MY first memories of watching TV involve the programme Belle and Sebastien. I remember sitting on a horse-hair settee in my Great -Grandfather's house on the Isle of Man, sitting transfixed as Sebastien and Belle wondered up and down mountains, righting wrongs. The horse hair used to stick into my bare legs, and made my nose itch. Nothing mattered except the programme.
I never believed that I would be able to see this show again, although its theme tune still echoed in my head all these years later. But now, after its release on DVD earlier this year, I can relieve all my memories - time and time again.
Yes, the shows does seem a bit dated and, yes, it not as sophisticated as those being made for children today. But, and its a big BUT, this show has a magical charm that has lasted the decades. My children sit as memorised in front of it now as I did many moons ago. A sign of quality I think.