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.

Northern Sinfonia, BBC Proms, Royal Albert Hall, London

NORTHERN Sinfonia, under the baton of musical director Thomas Zehetmair, won the hearts of a proms audience at London's Royal Albert Hall. In a first for the venue, Zehetmair began with two movements of a violin solo by Hartmann. The biting anger of the opening passage contrasting with a mellifluous slow movement allowed Zehetmair to fully express his virtuoso skills. He was then joined by Viktoria Mullova to present Bartok's duos for two violins. The first three pieces lasted less than minute each, but were crafted into gems, followed by series of sprightly folk dances. With razor-sharp repartee, they variously emulated Scottish bagpipes and evoked the strains of the Arabian desert. Zehetmair was then joined by the sinfonia for a pulsating rendition of Vivaldi's Concerto in B minor for four violins and cello. A highlight was Grieg's Holberg Suite. A familiar warhorse it may be, but Zehetmair lifted the musical stakes a notch higher, laying out its rich texture with loving care. The string work, under the leadership of lead violin Bradley Creswick, was superb. The performance was rounded off with Britten's Simple Symphony. The occasion was the perfect backdrop to Zehetmair's announcement that he will be extending his contract and winning partnership with region's world-class musicians for a further three years.

Gavin Engelbrecht

Jamie Cullum, Durham County Cricket Club

BELTING out his cover version of Singing in the Rain could not have been more apt for jazz musician Jamie Cullum. Performing under murky grey skies and in sleeting rain, the music star did not let the dour North-East weather dampen his enthusiasm. As fans huddled under umbrellas and held on to their rain macs, Cullum warmed the audience by encouraging them to clap their hands and sway along to hits from his million-selling album Twentysomething.

Set against the beautiful backdrop of Lumley Castle, the pint-sized pianist performed songs such as What a Difference A Day Makes, Everlasting Love, These Are the Days and I Get A Kick Out of You. Cullum, whose new album Catching Tales is released in September, put on an enthusiastic two-hour performance.

He kept the fans' spirits alive by bouncing around the stage and being rather hyperactive throughout the show. But it was what the crowd needed to take their minds of their soggy clothes as they huddled on the cricket club's playing field. The musician, who is playing other open air concerts this summer, sounded amazing and did not miss a note in any of his songs. But undoubtedly the highlight of the evening was his rendition of Singing In the Rain... and the setting could not have been more fitting.

Liz Lamb