In recent times there has been much discussion about which British institution most typifies the best of British.

For some it was Wimbledon or the boat race, strawberries and cream or good old fish and chips.

Many chose London sights - the recently retired Routemaster buses, the Underground railway map, Nelson's column and the guardsmen on parade.

That backbone of city life, the city gent, has always represented true Britishness for me, however. I only need to catch a glimpse of a bowler hat to know all is well.

Without any doubt, John Steed, as portrayed by Patrick Macnee in The Avengers, is the archetype of the city gent and as a long-time hero of mine, someone I have always wanted to emulate.

Coming recently across another symbol of the best of British, a Rolls-Royce motor car parked on my homeward route, I could not resist stopping to take its picture.

Arriving home in time for The Avengers, I switched on my TV to find Steed at the wheel of a classic Rolls-Royce and from then on fate seemed to take control, as early next morning found me at the hatters, trying on bowler hats.

I wonder what great British institutions stir the imaginations of other readers?

-Michael Parker, Brighton