Playing fields are not the place for treasure hunting - especially not uninvited in the middle of the night

One of my favourite comedies of all time is 'The Detectorists' - written by and starring Mackenzie Crook - this rather gentle and often subtle series is a kind of homage to the eccentricities of rural life.

Filmed not a million miles away in Framlingham, Suffolk, the series centres around two friends Andy (Crook) and Lance (Toby Jones) who are forever looking down as they plod a ploughed field looking for that elusive treasure.

It is so well done, I'm sure it has probably inspired a good few people to take up the hobby - after all who wouldn't want to find treasure.

But, as with anything, there is a time and place for metal detecting and a village playing field in the middle of the night is most definitely not it.

Why anyone would think it is acceptable to go into a public park and dig holes everywhere, without even having the courtesy of at least attempting to fill them in - I really don't know.

It is not cool, and whoever has been treasure hunting in Wimblington needs to take a long hard look at themselves. Like I said treasure hunting is an exciting venture, but it should not be done at the expense of the community.

I love my job, I really do. I love talking to people and telling their stories. But I can't help being a little envious of those who work at Anglia Components in Wisbech.

The bosses have decided to reward their staff, in what is their 50th anniversary year, by giving their workers Friday afternoons off - cutting the working week to four and a half days, but without reducing pay.

They have also announced extra holidays and a comprehensive health plan.

What a lovely thing to do and in these days of cut backs and rising costs it is an example that I hope other firms might follow. I've always thought a carrot works far better than a stick if you want to get the best out of people, and it is nice to see one company is recognising how important it is to have a happy workforce. Well done, and congratulations on the 50th anniversary.

It's going to cost us more to be sick from next month - prescription charges for those of us who have to pay are on the rise.

Despite the cost of living crisis which is already hitting families hard the Government has decided to increase the amount we pay for our pills and potions by 30p meaning it will cost £9.65 per item prescribed.

I know the NHS is in disarray and funding is tight, but it does seem a bit of a slap in the face especially when England is the only country in the UK where patients have to pay for prescribed medication.

Why are we not allowed to enjoy the same free prescriptions as those in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. It seems really unfair, and I'm not sure why England is the odd one out - answers on a postcard if anyone knows the answer.

We all know pandas are rare, that tigers are facing extinction, elephants are endangered and whole host of are animal friends are all in the same boat - the list is pretty endless.

But did you know that Suffolk Punch horses are also a dying breed. Once they were the main stay of farms pulling ploughs and other machinery. They pulled artillery in our wars and were quite simply a work horse.

They are the oldest English breed with them first being mentioned in records in 1586 - modernisation and technology is to blame for them now being on the UK Rare Breeds Survival Trust's critical list - in fact they are rarer than the beloved panda.

So it is great news that one Fenland couple are doing their bit to help preserve these magnificent horses with the arrival of a foal - let's hope that little Walton Pride Benjamin thrives and helps keep his kind going for another generation.

Finally I really hope this week's cold weather is the last hurrah of winter. I really have had enough of the cold and wet now and can't wait for spring and the glorious summer months. Battling high energy costs has not been helped by what seems like one long cold snap this year.

Why winter seems to last four times as long as the other three seasons put together is no mystery, dark nights, gloomy skies and freezing temperatures will do it...So now I say it's time to bring on the sunshine and for winter to definitely do one...