I STARTED at Exeter FM in 2008 and I thought it was about time I took my first break.

There's no one I would prefer to share my free time with than my wife Stacy. I mention that because, according to a poll, 58 per cent of people say their other half creates stress for them, compared with 43 per cent who give that distinction to their boss.

We chose, as our holiday destination, Devon and Cornwall, among a growing number of people enjoying a stay-cation. What could be better than waking up in your own bed, picnicking and day-tripping? When you live here, it's only too easy to overlook the things that thousands of people travel here to enjoy.

It seems the number of Britons holidaying in the UK is now at its highest since the 1970s, with 15 per cent fewer taking trips abroad compared with last year. I highly recommend it: no hassles about what to pack, car hire, currency or the financial stability of your travel company. The weather, beaches and quaint villages were all fantastic and, apart from a Cornish chap near Port Isaac who slurred his Rs and dropped his Hs, there were no language problems. I took the bicycle out for the first time in a while, then couldn't walk for two days (note to self: get padded saddle).

On Sunday we strolled around the Cathedral Green here in Exeter. Have you noticed that when the bells ring, depending on where you stand, they can sound as though they are coming from behind Gandy Street?

Not such a pleasing sound is that annoying trumpet from the World Cup. I'm pleased to hear this week that the vuvuzela is not to be welcomed in the Premier League. Spurs became the first club to ban the horn and I'm hoping the horrible things don't make it on to the terraces of St James's Park or Sandy Park.

Speaking of irritating noises, Katie Price's new single has failed to make the Top 60, despite the timely hype of 'leaked' naked photos of husband Alex and her reported regrets over her surgically over-enhanced 'Daffy Duck' lips, as she describes them.

It was revealed this week that women are at their most beautiful at the age of 31. Katie Price is 32.

Ciao.