After watching Becky McDonald jetting off for a new life away from Coronation Street last night I found some far more uplifting viewing over on the other side with the latest instalment of BBC2’s Wonderland series.

This lovely film was all about those crazy but absolutely magnificent men flying their microlight machines in the annual Round Britain Rally.

It followed three teams taking part in the race, a – little-publicised competition that was held last summer, in which amateur microlight pilots tried to fly over as much of the mainland as possible in three days.

Ever since reading Antony Woodward’s marvellous book Propellerhead about 10 years ago I have had admiration for those who choose flying these dodgy looking aircraft for a hobby.

And I was amazed to find the author of that book featuring in last night’s programme. Woodward hadn’t flown in the race for about 15 years but decided to give it one more ago despite being terrified by the prospect.

Now a 48-year-old – father-of-three and, in the words of two flying instructors who taught him previously, the worst pupil they’d ever had, he realises he has a lot to lose should something go wrong. The man foolhardy enough to fly with Antony again is one of those former instructors and their chaotic – misadventures make up a large part of the programme.

The contest hadn’t been held for a decade but when Woodward last took part he only made it as far as day two before crashing into power lines, although of course he at least got a book out of the experience.

Despite the dangers of flying what one pilot calls a chainsaw attached to a deckchair you can’t help but get a sense for the attraction of the sport that delivers its often eccentric participants real excitement.

One of the lovely aspects to the programme was watching microlight enthusiast Paul and his teenage son Michael bond as they took part in the competition together.

That was only possible after Michael managed to overcome his quite understandable terror at the prospect of having to cross the Irish Sea just to get to the starting point.

We also got to see one of the sport’s experts show how it can be done.

Record-breaking pilot Richard Meredith-Hardy has flown a microlight to Australia and over Everest.

Refuelling in mid-air even proved a doddle for Richard after he sacrificed having a co-pilot so that he could take two jerry cans full of fuel with him.

Despite his experience though he came in back in sixth and was somewhat disappointed, as opposed to many of the other competitors including Antony Woodward who seemed simply relieved at getting round in one piece.

Jim Wildman

Watch Wonderland on BBC iPlayer