It would be wasting time to list all the merits of the Dyson. Many are on record doing just that. But I'm on my second and still singing their praises. I don't have any allergies but I do value a dust free environment when I am doing my housework. Dyson certainly lives up to their promises in that direction.

I bought my first Dyson when they were introduced to the vacuuming market. It was, without a doubt, a new experience in cleaning. Super suction, easy to empty - no fiddling around with bags - and bright and cheerful (grey and yellow) compared to the more mundane vacs on the market. Why do manufacturers always assume that because we use them for cleaning up dirt they have to look dreary?

When my son left home and moved into his own flat I gave him my Dyson as a blatant hint that he should keep his new home clean.

I replaced in with the newer model DC04. Apart from snazzier colours than the original, it also comes with a special tool for getting under things and, amazingly, has even more suction power. It is just a wee a bit disconcerting to see my new carpet being gradually sucked up into the clear plastic 'dust tube' but it's a price I'm prepared to pay for the supper efficiency of my new machine!

It is a rather heavy piece of equipment to lug upstairs to do my bedrooms (the extra long hose and special tool actually takes care of the stairs themselves) and I am now debating on whether to break into my son's flat to steal back my old model or, even more painful, cut out chocolates so that I can afford to by another DC04.