I need to find the little boy a present

In her weekly column, Maddie Grigg trades rural Dorset for south-west France . . .

-  Maddie Grigg

IT'S Rex's first birthday in a few weeks' time. Rather than miss it, Mr Grigg and I are heading back from France to Lush Places to help our young grandson celebrate.

Before then, I need to find the little boy a present.

I have a Beanie Baby dragon I bought in France when we came over earlier in the year, but I need something to add to it.

I have a brainwave. Why not get him a Tour de France T-shirt?

His father, Number One Son, is a huge cycling fan. I can imagine Rex will be encouraged to get on two wheels as soon as he's able, although not for a few years yet.

Our nearest town has a branch of E.Leclerc, the French supermarket that sponsors the famous cycle race.

When it's Tour time, all the shop assistants wear spotty T-shirts similar to those awarded to the "King of the Mountains", the rider who is the fastest in the climbing sections.