This month's lighter story comes from Roy Basten, based in Bracknell and a Fellow of the Dulux Select Decorator scheme

'A few years ago, I had to get some new trainers for work and as I am on my feet all day I spend a lot of money on my trainers. I brought a pair of Reebok Regals. Absolute beauties - light air treads, moulded soles, padded heels and seven bridge lace holes, I tell you comfortable wasn't the word!

First job I got to wear them was to decorate a couple of bedrooms in an elderly lady's house. She was very nice, but understandably she wasn't very keen on people wearing shoes around the house. I assured her that I would have sheets down covering all the areas where I was decorating but still she didn't seem too keen. I then offered to wear over shoes but again she still didn't seem too keen, so I agreed to take them off and leave them by the front door.

After my first day of work I went to put on my trainers and something had bitten the heel. To say I was a bit peeved was an understatement but never the less the next day I went down to find the laces had been damaged. Now my patience was really wearing thin, but what could I do?

The third day I went down and found my trainers in threads, so this time I had to mention it to the lady. When I did she seemed very upset and apologised. I continued to clear up and load the van, when she came out of the kitchen with her cat 'Tiddles' in her arms and said, "Pardon me Roy, is this the cat that chewed your new shoes?".'