Main content
Sorry, this episode is not currently available

31/01/2011

Join benefit fraud investigators in Peterborough, uncover lost ancient stone circles in Essex and see the results of a radical treatment for hair loss.

Benefit fraud is said to cost the country one-and-a-half billion pounds every year. As the biggest shake up of the benefits system since the 1940s gets under way, the government has promised a crackdown on fraudsters. It's the council's job to investigate false claims. We join the fraud investigators, team at work in Peterborough and meet two women accused of cheating the system.

Paul Daw is a surveyor by trade but is passionate about ancient stone circles. He spends all his spare time tracking them down. Now he thinks he's found two lost circles in Essex. It's unusual to find them in this part of the country, but what's even more surprising is Paul's claim to be able to locate the position of the stones with dowsing rods. Rods are more commonly used to locate water, though many people remain sceptical, so is Paul really on to something ? David joins Paul in the village of Littlebury to see how it's done, and talks to John Waterhouse, a professor of chemistry to find out if its really possible.

When Sian was growing up in Essex she was just like most other children, outgoing, confident and full of fun, but at around the time of her teens her hair began fall out. Sian has had to wear a wig since her teens to cover her baldness - but it was more difficult to disguise the way the condition affected her confidence. Two years ago we filmed Sian, having permanent makeup at a Milton Keynes salon to replace her lost eyebrows. Her life has changed dramatically. The makeup has been a huge success and what's more Sian is now having a radical treatment which could see her grow a full head of hair once more. Early results are promising but there is no guarantee of success.

29 minutes

Last on

Mon 31 Jan 2011 19:30

Credits

Role Contributor
Presenter David Whiteley
Editor Diana Hare

Broadcast