Travel: Tucked away

CLIFF STEER of Nottingham claims that what follows is a true account of an experience in Italy. 'My wallet was in the hip pocket of my trousers - made 'pick-pocket proof' by a large safety-pin fastened on the inside of the trousers. A few loose notes were kept in a side pocket for the day's incidentals.'

In a shop window Mr Steer saw a magnificent pair of climbing boots at a ridiculously cheap price. 'Inside, the young lady shop assistant spoke no English, but I had no difficulty in making her understand my requirements. After I had tried on the boots, the assistant took them to be wrapped. She returned with the parcel and held out her hand for payment.

'I stood there petrified as I realised I had only a few lire in my side pocket, and my wallet was in my hip pocket fastened from the inside] We looked at each other for a few seconds with my face going redder and redder, until, in a panic, I unzipped my flies and let my trousers fall to my ankles, fumbling with the safety-pin to get to my wallet.

'When I handed her the money, the look of amazement and disbelief on the face of the assistant was a sight I'll never forget.'