He's like the Michelle Gomez character in Green Wing (the one who used to stalk Julian Rhind-Tutt along the hospital corridors) - living proof that an unhealthy interest in filth and a bit of bonkersness is actually funnier than jokes.

Hence the interminable commonplaceism and prolixity of his writings.

It was a chilling story, but the children enjoyed it.

BANBURY STORY, of a Cock and a Bull, an Idle relation, in order to pick Acquaintance on the Road, till a convenient Place and Opportunity offer to rob or plunder.]