But I was taken aback last week, couldn't believe my eyes. There was a lad walking down the road, he was maybe 12 or 13, and if I was being polite I would describe him as tubby.

Nothing unusual about that. The scientists are telling us 99% of people will be obese in 20 years time.

And he had in his hand, a cigarette. Again, nothing too unusual about that. Naughty kids have been getting older ones to buy fags for them for decades, so they can have a crafty smoke behind the bike sheds.

But stood at this lad's side was, what appeared to be, his mum. Or his aunt, or his gran. I couldn't say for certain. But she definitely appeared to be a relative.

So why was this kid walking down the street merrily smoking a fag? He was about 12!

We can blame McDonalds for selling junk food to kids, we can blame some of the more lackadaisical shopkeepers for selling ciggies to underage customers. But surely there is 'parental responsibility'.

What sort of parent is happy to walk down the road side-by-side with their pre-teen child puffing on a cigarette?

I know there is worry over the Government intervening and telling us how to live our lives. "Eat more fruit, do more exercise" – at least they seem to have children's health in mind.

Unlike this one parent.
*l AND on the subject of smoking, isn't it rewarding to see all the smokers freezing their proverbials off in pub doorways.

For years I had to put up with the stink they created in pubs and bars, so this is payback time. Don't forget your gloves!

* MEMO to the woman who was driving the green car which nearly ran me over last week. The big white stripes on the road, and the flashing yellow light on top of the pole, signify a pedestrian crossing.

When someone is stood under this light, facing the other side of the road, you should stop and let me cross – not whizz past, giving me just enough time to get out the way.

The driver behind you understood this simple concept, as did the driver coming the other way.

You can pick up a copy of the Highway Code at most bookshops, it'll also tell you why you shouldn't have been doing more than 30mph in a built up area in the first place.

Paper Clip

* What do you think? Write to Paper Clip at 3 Prospect Street, send a text starting BFPEDITOR followed by a space, your comments, name and address, to 81800 or send an e-mail with your comments to paperclip@bridlingtonfreepress.co.uk

SMS terms and contitions can be found at the bottom of this page.

Have you got something to get off your chest or someone to praise? You can send us a letter by e-mail at letters@bridlingtonfreepress.co.uk
You can also send a text starting BFPEDITOR followed by a space, your message, name and address, to 81800.

Have you got a problem you would like Linda to try to solve or do you know someone deserving of praise?
Maybe you have got an interesting picture you would like to share with readers or a funny story?
You can send Linda a letter by e-mail at linda.hulbert@yrnltd.co.uk
You can also send Linda a text starting BFPEDITOR followed by a space, your message, name and address, to 81800.

Have you got a Prized Pet you would like featured on this site?
Send a picture, along with as much information about the pet as possible and your name, address and contact telephone number, to linda.hulbert@yrnltd.co.uk

For an opinionated view of local and national news, read columnist Paper Clip's articles by clicking here