I don't spend much on clothes. I buy old books. I tell myself I ought to save - it's the classic Northern work ethic. I like good holidays, though. I'm a big fan of cruises. I love unpacking once and having the scenery change every day.

Once I was on a plane and a woman said to me, 'Now, what's the matter with my tomatoes?' And I said, 'Well, it's a bit difficult to see from here.' She took offence and said, 'I was only trying to be friendly.'

I get up to 400 letters a week, so I have a full-time PA, but I try to answer everything. People don't seem to realise that if they send something living in the post it's going to die on the way. Especially when you wrap it in a polythene bag.

I'm a big fan of the Queen. She carries herself well, as does the Prince of Wales, despite getting lots of stick.

Gardening is, apart from having children, the most rewarding thing in life

It's never much fun at school - it's just dates. Then as you get older, for some reason, you get more interested.

Always take much less than you think you'll need.