In common with all the other telly-watchers, I will be taking advantage this evening of the commercial breaks to slip into the kitchen to make a quick cuppa.

But precisely 40 years ago, it was a different story and wild horses could not have pulled me off the settee as I sat glued to the spot in eager anticipation of the first showing of my first commercial.

Everyone is said to have their 15 minutes of fame but mine was only 30 seconds as I briefly extolled the virtues of Bachelor cigarettes.

Today's computer wizardry was not available in the early Sixties and what you saw was what was actually happening, all in the glory of black and white, which added a certain lustre to the picture.

If anyone would like to sample the delights of an old-fashioned commercial, please contact me on 01273 885268 and I will be delighted to send a copy.

-Michael Parker, Lewes Road, Brighton