Cheers - to the good life!

IT'S rare indeed that a photograph captures the absolute essence of a man, and a specific moment in time.

But I reckon this recent stunning portrait of Yours Truly gets it just about right.

With a glass of red to hand, an invigorating blast of glorious Cornish sunshine, and good company to add lustre to a magnificent day, the camera caught me in buoyant mood proposing a toast to life itself, not to be taken for granted when you're pushing 75.

The setting was the sun terrace at The Idle Rocks Hotel in St Mawes, a favourite haunt during our many trips to the splendid Roseland Peninsula. The occasion was a visit from close 'up country' friends who love Cornwall almost as much as we do. Anyway, cheers! Happy days!