THIS morning an exciting red parcel arrived for me at the office.

It was a large red carboard box (similar to a hat box) tied with a beautiful white ribbon.

How exciting I thought, a Christmas present for me, or perhaps something edible for my ever hungry staff (all mince pies gratefully accepted).

So carefully unwrapping it (I thought I could recycle the wrapping) I opened it to find ...

a press release!

Yep, a press release from the Environment Agency about flooding at Christmas.

I think that's rather cruel. What a disappointment.

They may think that it is a novel way of delivering their message, but I think it's rather unnecessary.

Yes, it does say inside the box to recycle it and I will.

Someone in my family will be getting something rather nicer in that splendid red box.