SEVERAL months after a cycling crash on ice and subsequent knee operation, I am finally struggling back to fitness on my bike using a route along Blackwell Lane, Darlington.

So I just like to thank the yob passenger in a silver-grey Ford Focus who hurled a large, old conker shell at the back of my head as hard as he could on Sunday evening. The yob will be pleased to know I sustained two cuts and a headache and my wife insisted I report the incident to the police.

I’ve raised three children who wouldn’t behave like this and am now a grandfather. So basically, I’m twice the man you’ll ever be.

I hope you kept cackling as you boasted about your exploits to your parents and, possibly, even your grandparents. They’ll be so proud.

This hasn’t put me off cycling, but I will consider very carefully if young people are worth my time and effort in future. And, yes, I’m a volunteer worker in that sector.

Name and address supplied, Darlington.