I WAS getting ready to go out the other morning and decided to put on a dress that tells a story. It was bought ten years ago in Viareggio, in northern Tuscany, Italy, on the beach – at 8am.

I went there on holiday with my daughter to visit my brother and he and his wife took us on the beach. It was already warm and sunny by the sea. There was a girl selling things for young people, very small sizes.

This particular long dress was the only thing that attracted my attention. My sister-in-law said to me: “Get it Emma, it is lovely.”

So, this long summer dress has history – and it will always remind me of my trip to Italy and a most enjoyable holiday.

Emma Thomas, Darlington.