A new saviour chef has been crowned.

Move over Jamie Oliver. Heston Blumenthal is the new favourite this week in the press after transforming the floundering Little Chef restaurants on Channel 4's 'Big Chef takes on Little Chef.'

The Michelin Star Chef took over the Little Chef at Popham near Basingstoke and his re-invention of its interior, decor and menu has received rave reviews.

Better quality ingredients and traditional British dishes were his focus along with some surprising additions, including singing toilets.

Blumenthal appeared genuine in his cause unlike Little Chef boss Ian Pegler whose ability to vomit marketing spiel was impressive. He also lost his appeal after his continued criticism of Blumenthal's menu, pompously advising him: "to make the chilli hotter."

Yet the nostalgic hope remains that Little Chef can be transformed and re-enter its home in the nation's hearts. I for one hope that Heston succeeds.

A Rite of Passage

Media law is a rite of passage that all journalists must suffer. Sadly this necessary evil is proving to be truly frustrating. Defamation fills my mind and I'm now off to bed cuddling my trusty McNae.

The Deep Freeze

Whilst driving home from Southwold today I stumbled across a scene that was reminiscent of Swan Lake combined with ITV's Dancing on Ice. In the middle of a misty Suffolk marsh we enjoyed two swans performing their very own pas-de-deux. They slipped and stumbled across the ice struggling to cope with the unknown conditions. But they had an appreciative audience and we headed home to our central heating smug and smiling.

Blazers make little difference

Today I endured a joyous train journey squashed into one carriage with a bunch of horny teenagers from Notredame High School in Norwich.

They proceeded to sit on my suitcase, spray everyone with nasty cheap deodrant and discuss their apparently rampant sex lives.

There have been numerous complaints in the local press about the Norwich to Lowestoft service and the behaviour of the children on it. But little seems to have changed.

The school assures us they are taking measures to tackle the behaviour but other than introducing shiny new ties and blazers I see no difference.