HAMPSHIRE Chronicle's Head of News took a trip back 30 years in time to talk about the Battle of Twyford Down.

Andrew Napier was a guest on Fred and Friends, the Saturday afternoon summer show on Radio Solent with Fred Dinenage.

Andrew said: "It was great fun to meet Fred, a legend of broadcasting. We chatted about the old Winchester bypass, the notorious Hockley traffic lights and the eco-warriors' battle when the final section of the M3 was driven through Twyford Down between 1992-1994."

Those aged 50 or over will remember being stuck at the notorious traffic lights which Andrew recalled were said to be the only set on the mainly motorway route between Dundee in Scotland and the south of Spain. Many younger adults will remember the anguish of being carbound as their parents' car edged forward agonisingly slowly on A33 dual carriageway or side roads from St Cross or Twyford.

This Saturday's show will be the last in a six-programme run that Fred has been doing for the BBC after decades of being the main anchorman on Meridian.

Other guests last Saturday included former Southampton Olympic runner Roger Black and the chairman of Hampshire Cricket Rod Bransgrove.