The recent Looking Back feature on the presence of TV detector vans on our streets through the ages causing untold consternation among households reminds me of an amusing anecdote.

I was assured by the person relating it that it was true.

A chap left his home for work a little late and as he hurried along the TV detector van pulled into his street.

Knowing that he had recently purchased a new licence but realising his wife would be unaware of this fact and would undoubtedly panic on their arrival at his home, he spoke to the technicians.

He explained the situation and told them the licence was located on the mantelpiece behind the clock in the living room. He then went on his way.

His wife answered the door and - as her husband had predicted - was gripped with fear upon meeting the technicians.

They calmed her down and told her she would hopefully find the licence behind the mantelpiece clock failing to mention of their encounter with her husband moments earlier.

Quite amazed at this she duly retrieved it from its position and presented it to them firmly convinced of the unbelievable efficiency and sophisticated accuracy of the detector vans!

Jim Oldcorn