NOW I do enjoy a delicious bowl of crispy cornflakes, writes DAVID HODGKINSON.

Apart from a steaming cup of coffee, there can be little better to accompany the morning wake-up call than a heaped portion swimming in full cream milk.

Come October 10, however, that daily bowl of sunshine may have as much appeal as a platter of yesterday's cold chips, soggy with congealed gravy.

Through four hungry nights (plus two dress rehearsals) I must devour FOUR stacked bowls of cornflakes. One after the other. Barely a moment to draw breath. Twenty-four bowls of the nation's favourite breakfast cereal!

It's the breakfast scene in Alan Ayckbourn's achingly-funny "Table Manners", to be staged by St Joseph's Players from October 7-10.

Like I said, I used to enjoy a delicious bowl of crispy cornflakes!

Tickets (£3) from Boardman's Outfitters, Bradshawgate, Leigh.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.