IF THE endless stream of conflicting health advice has a common factor, it is that, generally, doctors are always urging us to stop doing things we like.

What a pleasant change, then, is the verdict of specialist Dr Endure Ness, who says that we should bask in the sun - and, in contrast to hitherto-prevailing medical opinion, says it is likely to do us more good than harm.

Indeed, he says people cooped up in factories and offices should be allowed out for "sun breaks" during working hours.

Fine. We are convinced.

But when will the sun oblige us in this far from sparkling summer?

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