EVERYONE afflicted by voter apathy should consider the example of Horace Preece - and pull themselves together.

He is 100 today - many happy returns, Horace - and has voted in every election since he was first able to do so in the 1920s.

When Mr Preece cast his ballot in favour of Lloyd George, there were no spin doctors, or party political broadcasts, or breakfast press conferences.

Elections have changed immeasurably since then, and not all for the better. But it still comes down to one vote each. We hope you cast yours thoughtfully.

Updated: 10:51 Thursday, May 05, 2005