nTHE best excuse I've seen for being late for work recently was "aliens ate my dog".

I've used some in my time, including lost keys, broken down lorries across the drive, doctor's and dental appointments, but being a boss for 20 odd years I didn't need to use them because I was responsible and rarely late.

Only once did I ring in, shamefully on a Monday afternoon after a riotous weekend and not hearing the alarm go off, to say I'd been kidnapped - and no-one batted an eyelid.

I just worked at night to make up for lost time.

In earlier, dafter days when rules weren't as strict, thinking up the best excuses for latecoming became an art form for the lads - underpants back to front, socks on wrong feet etc.

In fact one of Leigh's most famous former journalists, Dave Dutton, refused to arrive at the Ellesmere Street offices on time, and if he did he waited outside until he was late. That's was the madness of the profession!

Believe me, it's a lot more sane these days.

If you have used any good excuses, let me know.