Here is Geoffrey, a Steiff hedgehog toy purchased for 2 Euros a couple of years ago in a French market. He reminded me of my childhood, when I used to adore playing with my friend's Steiff hedgehog family; Micki, Mecki, Mucki and the other one. My nephew named this one Geoffrey and he is much-loved by the family for his gentle expression and twinkling eyes. But he was lonely; he needed a partner, a wife - another half to share his life with.

So we found this lovely on Ebay; a bargain, so we thought, at £10...

She arrived and with much excitement, we opened the carefully wrapped box...

Geoffrey got rather more than he'd bargained for.

It just goes to show that mail order brides are not always exactly what's expected.

Having said that, Geoffrey has never been happier - and Olga hasn't had to use her wooden spoon on him...

...yet.