My love for quirky stories (From Hereford Times)

My love for quirky stories

9:00am Thursday 9th February 2012 in Paul Rogers Blog By Paul Rogers

THEY say that bad news sells papers.

That may be true, but a funny, quirky story also appeals to the eye and that's why I love writing them.

In this week's Hereford Times, I covered a story about Herefordshire's very own "DIY firemen" Ian Price and John Lewis.

They spotted a fire in the cab of a lorry parked outside their car repair business in Madley.

The fire service was naturally called, but their flames were already extinguished by Ian and John, who had their own fire engine on site.

If they were not there, the fire could have been much more serious, so they truly were like modern day Fireman Sam's.

I have been fortunate that I have written a few quirky stories lately.

The headlines, "man attacked by pig", "man arrested for 'pinching' Saddam Hussein's bum" and "washing-up row leads to police being called" instantly spring to mind.

Some people who know me well may say that the puns that I use are a bit cringworthy, but if they're appropriate for a story then I'm sticking them in :-) So if you have got a story that is a little out of the ordinary and different then send it my way.

As a Hereford United fan, I cannot end without giving a mention to the 1972 Giantkillers team, who celebrated their 40th anniversary on Sunday.

I don't have to tell you the story - we have all read it and seen the footage - but it is great that their achievement should be recognised with a series of events being held at the Starlite Rooms.

I was there last night watch highlights of the Newcastle and West Ham games, including hearing anecdotes from Colin Addison and Peter Isaacs, and will be going to a buffet dinner on Friday, where the team and even commentator John Motson will be in attendance.

Motty is even giving up his Match of the Day duty on Saturday to go to the gala that is being laid on.

I hope he comes in his sheepskin coat!