Don't worry, be happy

Shriek! Panic! Wave a shroud!.

Amanda Sandford from Action on Smoking and Health said the conclusions were clear.

"This study should dispel the myth once and for all that smoking just a few cigarettes a day won't do you any harm.

"Quite simply, there is no safe level of smoking."

Err yeah, whatever. Have you met Arthur, by the way?

A pensioner who has smoked almost 300,000 cigarettes during his lifetime has celebrated his 100th birthday.

The father-of-two started smoking when he was 20 and has smoked at least ten cigarettes every day since then - the equivalent of 292,000.

"I always say the secret is doing things you're not told to do," he said. "I have been smoking since I was 20 and I still enjoy it - and a pipe."

Arthur’s eldest son Peter, 62, revealed that doctors have told his father to keep smoking. ”The doctor has said its not worth getting him to give up the cigarettes.

”He’s still in good health despite the smoking and still mobile and gets up stairs whenever he wants.”

And still living at home, we notice. Unlike some friends of yours I could mention, eh Mandy?

"Up yours, Sandford"

More proof that life is for living, not agonising over.

Happy birthday, Arthur, let's hope you go on to emulate former oldest man in the world - and fellow smoker - Henry Allingham, whose life was tragically cut short ... at 113!