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'A Life's Work' is a new series in which Paddy O'Connell brings together three people, from three different generations, who have all dedicated their lives to the same profession.

This programme features three diplomats whose many years of service to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office have contributed to over half a century of British foreign policy. From the Cuban missile crisis, via the fall of communism, natural disasters, countless receptions and numerous changes in government to one of the defining moments in the world history - 9/11 - their personal careers reflect the changing attitudes of the country they have served.

Sir Christopher Mallaby joined the diplomatic service in 1959. He was British Ambassador to Germany during the fall of the Berlin wall (1988-92) and then British Ambassador to France (1993-96). He clashed with Mrs Thatcher over the reunification of Germany (she was against it) and he was a junior diplomat in the Moscow embassy during the Cuban missile crisis.

Dame Nicola Brewer is the former High Commissioner to South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland (2009 - 2013). She joined in 1983. Her children were born during a posting to France, grew up in India and spent time in South Africa. She is now Vice-Provost (International) at UCL.

Arthur Snell was High Commissioner to Trinidad and Tobago (2011 - 2014). As an Arabic speaker, he worked in Africa, Yemen and Iraq and his career was defined by 9/11. He joined in 1998 but decided to leave the diplomatic service - in part - because he has a young family.

Producer: Helen Lee.