ACCORDING to a recent survey, the modern Yorkshireman is into moisturiser, the Med and mineral water. The stereotype of a bluff bloke and his beer was way out of date.

Not so, says Stephen Reed of Huntington, York. He is proud to wear a flat cap. If he drinks water it comes out of a tap.

He has four ferrets, the traditional pet of choice for Yorkshiremen down the ages. They live in a luxury, heated shed.

Thank you, Stephen.

For one moment there it looked as if our tough northern stock were turning into southern softies.

You are a true Ridings role model.

Updated: 10:18 Tuesday, July 22, 2003