I TAKE my hat off to our postmen,

I never really understood what torture they go through until this week.

I had a taste of their work while delivering hundreds of jumble bags for a charity - and not in an easy terraced area.

There were homes with double sweeping drives, doors up 10 steps, and those uphill and down dale.

As a result I've got sore feet, an aching back and segs on the back of my middle finger.

I've decided that changes should be made to help our, until now, unsung heroes - until they're wiped out by e-mail.

First I'd ban loose gravel paths, houses with front doors round the side, all front gates and letter boxes that bite.

And just for environmental niceties hanging baskets that contain artificial flowers. Naff!

Then I'd bring in legislation that all mail boxes should be placed on external gateposts, to save both time and shoe leather.

Alternatively all post should be sealed in plastic bags to allow it to be slung into gardens - US delivery boy-style.

It wouldn't half make the job easier. Believe me I wouldn't relish doing the morning express delivery every day, especially in winter.

All I can say is thanks posties for a sterling job.

Selfish drivers get my goat

WHY are some drivers so selfish when it comes to parking?

One things that bugs me is a car straddling two spaces when there is a dearth of spots in the first place.

These motorists are either totally lacking in consideration, just down right Reginald Molehusbands who can't park for toffee, or protesting at paying to park. Or all three.

Have more thought for goodness sake.

THE price of petrol has sneaked up another 3p a litre this week.

Believe it or not it will soon cost £60 to fill a Mondeo - and drivers at the pumps were moaning this week.

Apparently a combination of Government tax hikes, the strong pound and dearer oil have led to this latest rise.

In Ireland a litre costs 53p, Spain 52p, Germany 61p and France 69p. In America it's just 27p. Why?

Why do we keep paying these prices without protest?

The Government's trying to get cars off the roads on one hand, and yet ripping up the countryside to build roads to accommodate more vehicles. Then they fighting to save motor manufacturing jobs.

Talk about rip off Britain.

I traded my Mondeo for a little Ka last year to save on fuel prices - and it now costs almost as much to run. It really is getting beyond a joke.