As the weather had apparently fast-forwarded itself to autumn yesterday, as I paddled about at dinnertime, I thought I'd try some reverse psychology.

Today I set off for work wearing a vest, a frock, a cardie, a raincoat and a scarf, draped tastefully of course.

And when I got off the train at Bolton was I greeted by brilliant sunshine? Was I 'eck as like.

It's grey. it's raining.

Sigh.