Isle of Wight: Jewel of the South

In Bembridge, fishmongers Mike and Ruth Curtis, together with daughters Izzy and Jess, are preparing for a busy summer of customer orders. Mike and Izzy take out the family boat to fish for mackerel near St Helen's Fort. Under specific instructions from Mum to bring back fifty mackerel, Mike knows where to find the fish but it's Izzy who reels in most of the catch. In Sandown, Christine Jackson is rallying her army of volunteers to help clean up the promenade for the forthcoming Regatta. A lifelong local, Christine keeps Sandown spick and span through community initiatives including litter picking and maintaining the flower beds. To raise money for fresh flowers, she decides to set up a stall at Regatta selling handmade goods. In East Cowes, twins Philip and Nigel Brown look after the gardens at Osborne House – the royal residence built for Queen Victoria. Like their father before them, the Browns are passionate about the horticultural heritage of the palace. But the summer heatwave ha

In Yarmouth, upmarket hotelier Howard Spooner is preparing for one of the busiest weeks of the summer. He runs the exclusive George Hotel – which has been in business since the 17th century and even played host to King Charles II. Howard has a champagne client to impress and it's up to new recruit Maddie to keep their glasses topped up on the hotel's speedboat the "G-Dogg" without spilling a drop. In Briddlesford, fourth generation farmer and "Caulkhead" Paul Griffin is battling the summer drought. His 150-strong Guernsey herd produce premium dairy products for the island and beyond. Next year marks the centenary of the farm and Paul plans to mark the occasion with a new cheese – the "Briddlesford Red." He and his wife have arranged a cheese and wine evening for the island's discerning clientele. But will it be hit? In Ryde, entertainer Derek Sandy is preparing for his "Love Monday" entertainment night. Since arriving from Tobago 20 years back to escape a troubled past, he's taken the

The Island's High Sheriff, Kay Marriot, attends the annual Steam Fair where she tries her hand at some Morris dancing with the Oyster Girls: an all-female Morris troupe. The Isle of Wight is famous for its many carnivals and one of the oldest in the country, in Ryde, traditionally marks the end of the summer season. Kay helps some local volunteers get ready for the grand procession – where they're hoping to win the prize for best costume. In Bembridge, John Attrill is the fifth generation of his family to work in his village's RNLI and he's hoping that his seven-year old-son Teddy will follow in his footsteps. After a long day at sea, father and son join the thousands of scooter enthusiasts attending the annual Scooter Rally – one of the largest in the world. Sandown Airport owner Dan Subhani and his wife Tracy have their work cut out to ensure that the day goes off without a hitch. And it's the ferry operators' job to make sure that the thousands of extra visitors have a weekend to re

It's Darcy Muncer's job to keep the island's hundreds of thatched properties looking top notch. Cameras follow him over a month as he restores an ancient, thatched roof, using skills and traditions that have remained unchanged for centuries. Meanwhile, in East Cowes, B&B owners Karl and David are preparing for the arrival of tourists Meryl and Dave from Wales.