German publisher, PONS GmbH, contacted me to ask me to voice a selection of short stories for a new product they were launching to help German speakers learn English.

Their requirement was for a neutral British accent - not an "RP" (Received Pronunciation) style - which was clear and precise, but which demonstrated how English is actually spoken in Britain today by a native speaker.

The successful project included my voicing two short stories by Roald Dahl - of which this is an excerpt - along with two from Ian Rankin and a selection from Nick Hornby's "31 Songs". This included being able to include characterisations.

Please let me know if you'd like to hear a longer clip.