One of Obiter's most popular competitions last year (with certain sections of our readership, at least) was to discover the solicitor with the most number of vehicle licences. The winner, Patrick Howell, held commercial pilot's licences for helicopters, gyroplanes, floatplanes and fixed-wing aircraft, as well as a gliding licence and instructor's ratings in parachuting and microlights. He was also a qualified ocean yachtmaster and - the crowning glory - holder of a hackney carriage licence, which he said paid better than legal aid.

The spirit of this competition has now been revived by the news that Charlotte Crampton has qualified as a solicitor at Nottingham firm Actons. Although not the first solicitor to write in to say they are licensed to drive steam engines (an honour that belongs to Somerset-based Gervase Channer), Ms Crampton is the first female lawyer to step forward to say she has her Class G category of driving licence. She has helped restore her family's steamroller and serves on the committee of a local charity steam rally. Such a hidden talent is, of course, an opportunity that no self-respecting PR professional would pass up. 'Full steam ahead! Steam engine driver joins Actons' ran the headline.