Rich Boys Toys (five); Britain's Finest Natural Wonders (five): No-one could blame French motorists for looking surprised when Simon Blagden pulled up at a garage to fill up his vehicle - he was driving a Scorpion tank.

It's a good job this ex-soldier is a multi-millionaire because the tank holds 98 gallons, so it's the equivalent of filling up a normal car eight times and the bill came to £250.

The tank does four miles to the gallon. "I guess the Green Party wouldn't be pleased with me," he said.

Just when you were thinking he had more money than sense, we learnt he was travelling from Kent to his chateau in the Somme region to raise money for the Commonwealth War Graves Commission.

As the holder of a track vehicle licence - more usually held by bulldozer drivers - he has a legal right to drive his tank on roads anywhere in Europe.

Blagden was showing off his Rich Boys Toys in a slightly alarming documentary in these security-conscious times which revealed that, if you have enough money, you can collect military hardware such as tanks, guns and even Scud missiles.

Using cash to buy fast blondes and even faster sports cars seems a safer prospect for rich men than Texan entrepreneur Brent Mullins indulging his obsession with firepower. He owns an army of vehicles, as well as 30,000 manuals in case one breaks down.

Fortunately, there are no neighbours to disturb as he's legally allowed to fire live rounds (he doesn't, although best not to annoy him just in case) from the biggest firing gun in private hands in the States. "I like the 105, it's a lot of fun. You get a big bang for your bucks there," he declared.

He wants to preserve US history, like Jacques Littlefield whose 500-acre estate outside San Francisco houses his 25 cars, model railway network and largest collection of tanks in the world. Among his 215 military vehicles is a gun capable of firing nuclear ammunition, the largest tracked armoured vehicle on the planet. I was relieved to learn he's not allowed to drive it on public highways. Just think of the repercussions if he had an attack of road rage.

The countdown of Britain's Finest Natural Wonders was more peaceful and a blessed relief from all those other 100 Greatest-type shows. The scenery was spectacular and presenter Nigel Marven uncovered many fascinating nuggets of information.

I did begin to wonder when numbers ten, nine and eight were revealed as islands whether the programme should actually be called Britain's Finest Islands. The naming of a Welsh valley at number seven broke the run. The top spot went to somewhere that Marven admitted many wouldn't know, Dan Yr Ogof caves in Wales.

MP Ann Widdecombe spoke up for Cheddar Gorge, the first tourist attraction in Britain. "Okay, it's not the Grand Canyon, but it is still a considerable wonder because it's entirely natural and spectacular and unspoiled," she said. Rather like herself.

Published: 02/08/2005