Get typing and delete the rubbish stuff later

25% surge in vermin to 150million

THERE is no big secret to writing. It’s just another form of self-expression.

You have to have something you want to say and a desire to communicate it to others.

We all have that, which is why conversation – gossip, even – is our natural way of talking to each other.

Writing is taught in schools, but most lose the skill once they leave.

This is a pity because the joy of putting your thoughts, feelings and reactions to events down on paper – these days, on a keyboard or even your phone – is of inestimable value.

“I wrote that” is a source of satisfaction. “They read it!” is an even greater spur to writing. You have successfully communicated to someone, possibly an audience of thousands, your understanding of the world.

Fiction or reportage, it doesn’t really matter. The trick is to think hard, decide what you want to say, then let your mind do the writing.

Two tips: never under-estimate the value of a good thesaurus.

You don’t think of the right word at the right time, every time.

And don’t stare at the screen, willing the words to come. Bash away, you can always delete and start again.

Good luck, and happy scribbling.

MASSIVE rats are running amok in lockdown Britain because food is much more easily accessible.

The number of the rodents in the UK has increased to 150 million from 120 million during 2020, according to pest control company pest.co.uk.

The big freeze, lockdowns, vacant buildings and food stockpiling created the ideal environment for rats.

Pest expert Jenny Rathbone warned: “When shops, restaurants and offices are unlocked over the next few months, business owners are going to discover fairly advanced infestations.”

A clip showing two large rats stealing food from birds social media.

They are seen climbing up to a bird feeder, inset, in broad daylight at a family home in Accrington, Lancs. Ms Rathbone said: “Rats will always find something to eat – even a leather sofa will do.” She said a rat’s bite is six times stronger, relative to size, than a great white shark. In commercial buildings they can chew wires, internet cables and keyboards. She said: “Rats climb up pipes easily, and once in an empty building can breed like crazy and cause damage.” is being shared on