Helen Bach Column: 70 years of ITV

I've been told that there was a bit of snobbery about the arrival of a commercial television station - not sure why, as I think over the years ITV has proved itself with a wide range of quality output.

I've even heard some people say that their parents wouldn't let them watch ITV - or Anglia as it was in our region, complete with a rotating silver horse ident, remember that?

If I had to choose, I think my favourite ITV show is 'Inspector Morse', with its sequel 'Lewis' and its prequel 'Endeavour' also featuring in programmes that were appointment viewing for me in the days before catch up.

Incidentally, how did we ever manage before catch up and smart tvs? I'm guessing we recorded stuff on our VHS video recorders - or Betamax if really unlucky - which I also recall required you to have detailed knowledge of the 24 hour clock and tested your abilities in programming the correct channel at the correct time much in the same way as some of the 'Krypton Factor' challenges did.

I also remember many happy hours watching quiz shows like 'University Challenge' - yes, with Bamber Gascoigne as presenter, it was on ITV, Mondays around 5pm if I'm not mistaken - 'Bullseye' with Jim Bowen at Sunday tea times, and now I watch 'The Chase', and its spin off 'Beat The Chasers', pitching my knowledge against The Menace, The Vixen, The Beast, The Sinnerman, The Dark Destroyer and my favourite, The Governess Anne Hegerty. Maybe one day I'll put my money where my mouth is and apply to take part!

Also it was an ITV drama - 'Mr Bates vs The Post Office' - which highlighted the scandalous treatment of sub postmasters and mistresses and resulted in a change in the law. Proving the power of great television and how, in the right hands, it can be used as a force for good.