LOOK, I'm sorry about this. I know it will make some of you very cross, but here goes. I love fireworks. Yes, I know they're dangerous, cause horrific accidents, frighten dogs and old ladies. I know that in the hands of idiots they can be lethal and yes, I suppose they are sold far too early and there aren't enough controls over illegal imports.

But they are still wonderful.

After all, there are lots of things that are dangerous in the hands of idiots. But should we ban cars, knives, Superglue and chip pans just because of that?

Whether it's Guy Fawkes' Night, New Year, July 4, birthdays, weddings, or just for the sheer fun of it, fireworks can take your breath away. Best, of course, when you had your own back garden bonfire, with Catherine wheels whizzing on the fence and rockets in milk bottles and jumping Jacks making us dance out of the way. The cold nose, the hot flames, the smell of fireworks and the joy of writing your name on the blackness with a sparkler. Bliss.

There's that air of suspense - will they, won't they work? - the hiss and the splendid soaring sparks. Then phut, down to earth and the magic has gone.

Because the very essence of fireworks is that they are so short lived. Blink and you'll miss that cascade of light. It's what adds to their beauty. A bit like life really.

Once, at one of my childhood firework parties, a stray spark from the bonfire caught the box of fireworks and the whole lot went up in one glorious whoosh!, with sparks, cascades, fountains and spinning wheels of light shooting out at all angles

A display that should have last 20 minutes was all gone in about 20 seconds. But what a splendid 20 seconds they were. Worth every penny, and still vivid in my memory 45 years later.

So play safe, of course. Be sensible, of course. Lock yourself in, if you must.

But I shall be out there, ooohing and aaahing - and my heart will lift a little with every soaring rocket.

OF course speeding is daft, dangerous and possibly deadly. As speed cameras catch ever more motorists, we are apparently not taking it seriously enough.

True. Because the trouble with cameras is that they can't think - a few miles over the limit on a deserted road in the early hours of the morning is just as guilty as speeding past a school as children are coming out.

I was done (of course) on the A66, speeding to North Tees Hospital when I heard my teenage son had been rushed there after he'd got out of his car and collapsed at the side of the dual carriageway. In my worry, I couldn't think of the best way to get to the hospital and the irony was that if I'd been stopped by a real live policeman, I would have got helpful directions and maybe even an escort.

As it was I had three points, a £60 fine and a jaundiced opinion of speed cameras.

Just like everyone else.