Hi folks,

I need to ask for your help. I've lost a bit of weight this week, which is nice, and it has helped me cross the barrier between two stones (I'll not say which ones). Therefore, I'd first like to ask you all to help me celebrate.

Secondly, I need to continue losing weight and I need to ask for your help in doing so. I have this theory, you see. It's a bit like the "conservation of mass principle" in physics. I reckon that there's only a certain amount of body mass to go round, and if other people gain weight, I must, conversely, lose it.

Therefore, to combine these two things (celebration and helping me). I have gone out and bought the equivalent of the weight I just lost in chocolates: Cadbury miniature heroes to be precise. There's a pot at reception and a pot at John Stephenson's desk. Please visit one of these two and help yourself. Each of you need only gain a couple of ounces in weight for me to keep going...

Plus, chocolate is rather nice, and I haven't treated my work colleagues to some since I bought my circular saw a year or so ago.

You know your mission... what are you waiting for?

Ashley