IT MAY not yet be flaming June but the back end of May has done its best to make up for one of the most dismal winters and wettest springs on memory.

Typically, of course, the forecasters were alerting us as early as Tuesday to the possibility of a change in the weather nicely in time for the bank holiday weekend. We must not expect the temperatures which have had us saying: "Too good to be in here," as we arrive for work each day. It may rain.

Even if it pours down - and the forecasters haven't been that gloomy - and even if you normally never venture out on bank holidays because the world, his wife, the kids and the dog will be there, make an exception this year. The tourist industry in the North needs you.

There is still a lot to do in our villages and small towns: exhibitions, gardens to visit, concerts, historical re-enactments, craft workshops, morris dancing, fetes and fairs of all kinds and even some walks.

The drive there will be as beautiful as ever.

Turn to What's On on page 24 if you're short of ideas.

Cutting!

ADMINISTRATORS are always coming up with new terminology to confuse reporters and the public, usually replacing two words with about ten.

But one new expression in a report from South Durham health care trust into waiting times was brief and, to the squeamish, chillingly precise.

It referred to "pen to knife" time for the period between the referral of a patient and the eventual operation.

Ouch!