Not wishing to sound like Bill Bryson, this small island however has a great diversity of landscape and a good deal to offer to those holiday makers who either cannot afford or do not wish to take the trip to foreign parts. It is good to see again the dry walls of the Peak District and the hidden delights of the inland waterways system, neither of which have we in Sussex.

Someone recently asked why do you want to go on holiday when you live where holidays are? - in beautiful Sussex. A good point. The rural economy here in Bexhill and Battle benefits greatly from tourism.

Further along the coast the sandy beaches and camping sites of Camber are full to overflowing despite the rainy weather. So the credit crunch, or whatever the reason for the increased numbers of people holidaying here must be good. A disadvantage can be turned to an advantage. An increase in the number of people taking their holidays here will be of great benefit to the local economy.

Hopefully too the number of people staying at home will have other knock on effects. People travelling shorter distances will be good for the environment. More cycling and walking bring health and fitness advantages. It could also be hoped that a greater demand for more local services and will attract better funding. If only the English weather were a little more reliable...........