Over the years, this page has provided regular evidence that there is nothing lawyers like doing more, once they escape the confines of their offices and the stresses of work, than putting themselves at great danger (see the parachutists, left) (see [2003] Gazette, 11 September, 12).

A particular favourite is hurtling around in cars at great speeds, and a fine addition to our collection is Michael Rich, an assistant in the Salisbury office of Trethowans, pictured here in action.

His co-driver, Jason Riggs, is more visible than normal because Mr Rich had managed to smash his window shortly beforehand while negotiating a chicane.

This is Mr Rich's first year of rallying, and after seven rallies, he lies third in his class and sixth overall in the Central Southern Tarmac Rally Championship.

Next year, he plans to step up to the national championships.

The particular irony here is that, by day, Mr Rich is a personal injury lawyer, of all things.

So after a quick whizz at insane speeds around the country roads of Britain, 'I put my suit back on and advise clients about negligent driving', he notes wryly.