It seemed like any other morning. As usual, I got a call from BBC Tees to go on air for the Headline Challenge, which involves the radio listeners trying to come up with a better headline than one published with a funny story in that day's paper.

listen to ‘BBC Tees talk about HEADLINE CHALLENGE - Wednesday 2nd October 2013’ on Audioboom

But something odd was going on without my knowledge. "Are you good at remembering important dates, Peter?" asked the breakfast show presenter Ali Brownlee.

"As far as I know," I replied, more than a little puzzled about what he was up to.

He then introduced Paul, a caller, who wanted to take issue with my answer. It turned out to be my brother Paul, calling from Los Angeles, where he lives. He was lambasting me for forgetting to wish our Mum a happy 82nd birthday.

The next thing I know, Ali's introducing my Mum, who's also live on the radio, giving me a hard time. To say I was flummoxed is an understatement.

Today's Headline Challenge was about Spanish butchers creating the world's longest black pudding at 187.2 metres long. The Northern Echo's headline was "Offally big". My brother BBC Tees chose my brother Paul's suggestion - "Pudding on the style".

And then came the killer blow. Heartless Ali Brownlee told my Mum she was judge for one day only and had to choose between her sons.

I've learned to think on my feet over the years so I swiftly reminded my Mum that it's me who drives to Middlesbrough every weekend with her Sunday dinner. You don't get that kind of service from Los Angeles.

It was an offally big decision but she wisely chose my headline. I love my Mum and my brother's pudding on a brave face.