Last week I popped into Poundland for a couple of things - some treats for my dog and a packet of cigarette lighters.

I arrived at the till and was served by a youngish woman. She immediately asked me for I.D. Perplexed, I asked her why.

"You need to be over 18 to buy cigarette lighters"

"I'm forty frigging eight" came my retort, amazed at how she mistook me for a teenager even though my beard was partly grey .

I didn't have any I.D anyway and told her so. Her reply...."I'll let you off"

Yep, that's the first time someone has asked me for I.D to prove that I'm over 18 for at least twenty-five years .. Quite bemusing.