Needing to brush up my Spanish for a business trip later this year, I found Spanish All Talk from Linguaphone a valuable programme.

Developed with the backing of Linguaphone's academic advisory committee and written by an expert in radio drama and language-teaching programmes, All Talk is set in Madrid.

The student follows the adventures of a first-time visitor to Spain as he or she discovers the city, the culture and customs of the people who speak one of the world's most widely-spoken languages. It is used in many South American countries.

Based on natural learning, the programme provides an active working vocabulary of al-most 2,000 words - roughly equivalent to A-Level-plus conversational standard and more than enough for everyday chat.

You are immersed in the sounds of Spanish and will quickly begin to understand what people are saying and know how to get your own message across.

The best bit is you only need listen to All Talk. There are no textbooks or written exercises, just simple explanations and plenty of guidance every step of the way The course comes in two parts, both eight CDs or cassettes.

Level 1 covers everyday conversation in business or for pleasure while Level 2 covers a more challenging range of dialogue.

Price: £95.85.

Telephone: 0800 123 300.

Feel good factor: 9 out of 10.