Long-running Radio 4 series Desert Island Discs is poised to reach a new milestone as presenter Kirsty Young welcomes a record-breaking Second World War veteran for the 3,000th edition of the show.

Former Royal Navy test pilot Eric "Winkle" Brown is the Navy Fleet Air Arm's most decorated pilot, holds the record for the most flight deck landings and is believed to have flown more types of aircraft than anyone else.

Young said her guest - who will appear on the programme on Friday November 14 - was "the perfect castaway to celebrate our 3,000th edition".

"Talking to him about his remarkable, daredevil life was like touching history. A charming and twinkly man," she added.

Desert Island Discs launched 72 years ago and broadcast from the bomb-damaged Maida Vale studios, and first aired on the Forces Programme before the days of Radio 4.

Station controller Gwyneth Williams said: "We all love Desert Island Discs - and the incomparable Kirsty.

"What is thrilling for me is to see this Radio 4 jewel of a programme take on new life in the digital world.

"Listeners - and often young listeners - are discovering it and exploring the rich archive, so it brings Radio 4 to new audiences as people listen in different ways. Here's to the next 3,000 editions."