Yesterday I boarded a bus, and on showing my pass, the driver smiled, thanked me and waited until I had found a seat before pulling away.

A relaxing smooth journey ensued, and as I walked down the aisle to disembark, the vehicle seemed to slow down slightly, aware of my shopping bags and general fragility.

Following a cheery goodbye from the driver, I stepped onto the spotless pavement, and after asking a community policeman for the correct time, I went on about my business.

Yes, you've guessed it - I was in cloud cuckoo land.

Robert Dobbie, Bradley Drive, Foxwood, York.