The last time that we visited Northallerton, we stayed one night in a hotel. Overnight joy riders stole our red Peugeot 205, then dumped it in a school playing field.

This time we left the car in a queue at a level crossing while we watched out for the passing train from the barrier. Once again the joy riders struck. However, in this case we saw them circle the vehicle round the playing field and then leap out of it when the school bell rang.

We followed the miscreants into the school building and – with the permission of reception staff – all the way into the classroom. The teacher agreed to help us find and punish the young criminals.