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

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

Don't overdo the booze especially while flying - just because it's there doesn't mean you need to drink it. Everything in moderation.

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.

Airports - they're not my idea of fun at all. Some of the staff are lovely, but you do always get one or two that seem to forget that it's actually costing you a lot of money to be there and be insulted by their surliness. Times have obviously changed and we need to get used to being more strictly vetted, but they could be more pleasant about it. A smile wouldn't go amiss.

I think I was always realistic - well, not the Percy thing, that was ridiculous - but I never dreamed of being a racing car driver or anything.

Be kind to your garden and be gentle on your back!