MY biggest smile at my desk this week came from the punchline feature in the monthly magazine from St John's Church at Hindley Green

It tells the story of the vicar visiting stables with a view to purchase and being introduced by the owner to a horse. He was assured it was perfectly suited to him having been raised in a Christian environment.

With the deal completed the owner pointed out two things he must remember -- to get him to walk on the command was "Praise the Lord" but to stop was the conventional "Whoa".

Next day the vicar and steed were speeding over coastal downs when the clergyman realised they were heading for an unfenced cliff edge.

"Stop, stop" he shouted to no avail , then remembered the given instructions. "Whoa" he yelled, and the horse stopped inches from the cliff edge.

"Phew", said the vicar, wiping his brow, "Praise the Lord".