CHRISTMAS is the season of goodwill to all men.

This is why I would just like to say a big thanks to Mercury Man.

Mercury Man, or MM as he is known to his fans, is a columnist on one of our rival papers, and last week he described my column in the "unputdownable" News Shopper as "frankly, far superior" to his own sterling efforts.

Amazed as I am to receive this sort of support from a rival, I would like to say a big thanks to the Merc Man.

Next time I see you, the beers on me!