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Afghanistan, January 2007.

We felt there were Taliban fighters coming through this complex called Jigramport.

A military operation that did not go to plan.

It was the most intense far far I've ever been in.

What we need to do is cut off the snake's head.

And a daring rescue attempt that defied belief, told by the soldiers who were there.

Right, I'm about to sit on a helicopter and fly into a Taliban fort.

The Fort, listen first on BBC Sounds.

You're listening to Thursday's episode of The Archers from BBC Radio 4. I took Cleo over to the farmhouse, but there was no one about.

I don't imagine Gran and Leonard are up yet. No. So, sorry to be a pain, but do you mind taking her with you today? Do you think that's worth putting in the recycling? Oh, not with those food stains. No, you're right. So... Yes, it's fine, Stella. She can come with me and Rosie. Great, there you go, trouble. You're on the school run. They'll be up by the time I get back.

Yeah, you're a star.

You know, Toby's having Rosie overnight.

Ah yeah, looking forward to it.

I mean...

I know. We can have some new me time.

So, how did the meeting go last night on your first day, too?

Oh, Pip, it was brilliant. Well they representatives from all the farms? Very nearly. Some online, lots in person. There were shed loads of people. God, they're keen, aren't they? Isn't it great? And they seem to like me. So all your worries? Say, so far, so good. God, I'm really pleased.

That was such a positive vibe, Pip,

which you don't always get when farmers are gathered together.

Quite the opposite in my experience.

You know, I feel like I'm at the beginning of something really exciting.

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