The Real Flying Saucers - Stranger Than Fiction (Ch5): IF, like me, you were expecting an investigation into little green men and alien abductions, you would have been disappointed by this very serious documentary.

From the start, we were told that flying saucers do exist but sadly, that did not mean we were to be treated to the first interview with the real ET or a tour of Starship Enterprise.

The UFOs this programme concentrated on were those created by scientists throughout the world during times of war.

While the armed forces were fighting the Second World War on the front line, it seems scientists were trying to invent amazing new craft.

Their intention was not to get into space but to target the enemy with aircraft that could dodge radar - thus cashing in on the element of surprise.

Hitler had intended to end his war campaign with a spectacular display from a UFO and, over time, the Russians and Americans have spent huge amounts of time, money and brain power trying to create the ultimate craft.

As fascinating as all this was, the main interest came when we talked to the people who don't believe a word of it and are convinced there is something a lot more sinister going on.

There was black and white footage of alien hunters looking up into the sky and asking for an audience with any passing star ships.

Using the tried and tested method of speaking English very slowly in order to be understood, they shouted up to the heavens and then wondered why the inhabitants of Mars weren't willing to pop in for a cup of tea.

Back to today and we met an American man who spends all his spare time in the desert trying to see what the American secret service are up to.

The fact they are a secret service has not stopped this intrepid guy chasing through sand dunes in a camouflage truck so he can't be seen.

You can only assume he's not close to finding out what UFO action is going on or the powers that be would have made sure he wasn't able to tell all to the nearest camera crew. A selection of movie clips also helped to fuel the notion that whatever the official types want us to think, the human race will always be fascinated by the possibility that we are not alone and there is something else out there, if only we could make contact.

Published: 17/06/2004