PICK OF THE DAY

POMPEII: SECRETS OF THE DEAD

9PM, CH5 ★★★★ It’s a story told the world over since 79 AD – the volcano that erupted, consuming all that lived below it. But the stories untold are those of the people that perished in Pompeii and Herculaneum – until now. In this excellent one-off, Bettany Hughes (right) has set up an ‘incident room’ that utilises the latest technology to analyse their remains and possessions to piece together their final 24 hours in detail. She shows how the bodies are precisely preserved and exposes some dramatic tales, with plenty of stunning views of the ancient cities today.

SHOP WELL FOR THE PLANET?

8PM, BBC1 ★★★ Trying to live in an eco-friendly and affordable way in this final episode are Saskia and Steve from Shrewsbury. They work, and also care for their six-year-old daughter and a new baby, so convenience is a necessity for them. How will they get on with trying cloth nappies? We also tour an innovative Asda refill store.

HANDMADE: BRITAIN’S BEST WOODWORKER 8PM, CH4

★★★★

Eight budding woodworkers are battling it out in episode two of the new competition show, and this week’s big challenge is on a tiny scale. The contestants must build to-scale doll’s houses – which would normally take weeks – in just two days. They also face a very tough skills challenge.

THE WORLD’S MOST SCENIC RAILWAY JOURNEYS 8PM, CH5

★★★★

On home soil again this week, we are being taken through the natural delights of the far north of Scotland, going 167 miles from Inverness to Caithness county. The journey takes in churches, castles and coasts, with fly-fishing, tartan tailors and the Forsinard Flows habitat as well.