The Climbers of Leningrad - a podcast by BBC World Service

Mountaineers risked their lives to camouflage churches and palaces in the great Russian city during World War Two. The city was besieged by the Germans and under bombardment. The climbers used paint and canvas to conceal the landmarks from enemy attack. Mikhail Bobrov was just 18 years old when first got sent up the city's spires. He's been speaking to Monica Whitlock about his wartime experiences.

Photo: A climber suspended from a spire in Leningrad. Credit: Tass/PA.

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