The Secret of Eel Island

I came across this quirky little series when watching Channel Five with my nieces. I was instantly struck by its charm.

The story centres upon the friendship between a young boy called Scott and a little girl, Sapphire, who has survived alone on the mysterious Eel Island ever since the rest of her family of Eel Catchers were "cleared off". I don't think any more back story is ever given, but it really doesn't matter - what follows is a series of adventures, each only about 12 minutes long, where the two friends frequently have to protect Sapphire's secret island from all sorts of threats. Thankfully there's no magic or talking animals or anything like that. But there is plenty of room to suspend your disbelief - adults rarely feature, excepting Scott's grandfatherly friend who owns a handy junk shop, and the kids just get on with it untroubled by modern technology or everyday worries.

The series is beautifully made, with good acting from the principle children and a beautiful look and overall feel. Apparently it was filmed on the Norfolk Broads and the result is magical - a world away from reams of animation and American imports kids are now fed daily.

And it's not just my nostalgia talking - my nieces absolutely love it. So they were thrilled when the second series cropped up a few months ago, with rather more action this time around but also the same timeless, fable-like qualities as the first. This really is a treat for children and adults alike.