It is 1941 and when war comes to the Yorkshire village of Beckindale, life changes irrevocably for many of the inhabitants of the village and of Emmerdale Farm. When the villagers discover that the RAF is planning to build an airfield in the local area, they are shocked and horrified at the intrusion to village life that is sure to ensue. Annie Pearson is engaged to long-time love Jacob Sugden. Annie is torn - she may be engaged to Jacob but it hasn't stopped her falling for George and the high life she enjoys when she is with him. She is forced to make a harrowing decision between the two men. It is a decision that will change her life for ever. Young Betty Prendaghast was keeping her romance with local bad boy Seth Armstrong, secret from her strict parents. When he discovers that his beloved daughter is running around with the resident poacher, it seems they'll do anything to stop this unsuitable match. Will Betty find the strength to defy her father and follow her own heart? And the other villagers have their own problems - how will the young evacuees and Land Girls adapt to life in Beckindale? As the months roll on, the local RAF airfield becomes strangely part of daily life in the village, and despite reservations at first, the occupants of Beckindale bid a fond farewell to pilots from RAF Emmerdale as they bravely embark on their first bombing mission. But in the back of their minds there's always the dark question. Will they return? Written with the warmth and humour that is a strength of the programme, and yet with the pace and passion of a wartime love story Emmerdale - Their Finest Hour is a compelling read for all Emmerdale fans.