Diary finds it amazing what a string of consecutive days of fine weather can do to the national psyche.

After a most mediocre March and cruellest of Aprils, the welcome return of our dear friend Mr Sun and his blue skies has served to please everyone. From the loosening of starched collars and the revelation of summer dresses, from to the low-slung tramp stamp (from a council approved tattooist, no doubt) to the proud display of a burgeoning beer belly – surely nobody matches the English for knowing how to behave in the face of good weather?