When I first started reading science fiction seriously, at the age of about 12, I devoured John Wyndham’s entire catalogue of stories. Midwich Cuckoos, The Kraken Wakes, The Chrysalids, Trouble with Lichen, I loved them all. But as with many people (given that it is his most popular story) The Day of the Triffids was my favourite, and even after more than 50 years it still stands out as a fine example of the invasion genre. It has been dramatised several times, and now, in the middle of an apparent groundswell of desire for the resurrection of apocalypse stories and retro sci-fi from the 50s, 60s and 70s, the Beeb have decided it’s time Triffids was dusted off and “reimagined.”

The new version is headed for BBC One and will be adapted from Wyndham’s 1951 original by ER and Law & Order writer Patrick Harbinson. Harbinson will also be dragging the whole plot into the 21st century, setting it in 2011, and beginning with the use of triffids as an alternative source of energy now that fossil fuel supplies are becoming exhausted.

Fans will be pleased to know that the light storm which blinds most of the population, and which is central to the story, will be retained, and the two-part drama will be shot in high definition to maximise its impact.

BBC Wales head of drama, Julie Gardner, said: “The Day of the Triffids is a classic title. I’m excited that its powerful story is being remade for television. We’re hoping to attract a legion of fans as well as give nightmares to a new generation of viewers.”

With billions of spectators left blinded by the solar storm, the few who remained indoors or asleep are left to watch as the traditional post-apocalypse societal breakdown takes hold. But added to these problems is another menace: the Triffids find their way out of captivity and roam the planet, killing their victims with their whiplash stings, feeding on human flesh and breeding rapidly.

Dr Bill Masen is in the vanguard of the sighted humans’ epic battle for survival against the dual menace of the Triffids and the marauding looters.