Avril: Born 08.04.1957 in Helensburgh, Scotland. Paid Occupations: Mostly web developer, sometimes writer. Unpaid: Mother, common-law-wife, agony aunt, champion of the underdog.

Interests: Family, friends, books, writing, football, F1, music and most stuff to at least some extent.

Favourites: Wide open spaces, peace, honour, Manic Street Preachers, NUFC.

Can't Stand: Warmongers, liars, bad parents, bad drivers/riders, cruelty, betrayal, bigots, bullies, and those who put ambition before the wellbeing of others

Alister: Born 15.02.1961 in Wideopen, Newcastle-upon-Tyne. Paid occupations: Chief Systems Architect. Unpaid: common-law-husband, stepdad, best friend in the whole world ever.

Interests:  football, motorbikes, beer, computers, music, being a smartarse and accidentally resembling a bodyguard when he gets suited up for special occasions.

Favourites:  NUFC, British & World Superbikes, Formula 1, Never Mind The Buzzcocks, our gerbils (Rudge, Vincent, Scott and Douglas), good food, good beer, good wine.

Can't Stand:  Loud, gobby types, violence, bullies, male chauvinisits, liars and gossips, injustice, disloyalty, tossers in general.

Laura: Born 17.03.1987 in Galashiels, Scotland. Paid occupations: Weekend assistant in local garden centre; occasional dental assistant. Unpaid: Great friend, fab daughter, wonderful sister.

Interests: Music, dance, friends, caring for people.

Yes Please: Fresh air, activity, Beverley Knight, Incubus, Muse, Motown, jeans.

No Thanks: Peas, broccoli, classical and folk music, Shakspeare, disloyalty.

Caroline: Born 10.09.1984 in Edinburgh, Scotland. Paid occupations: Just left a great weekend job at Peugeot Citroen Finance to go to uni. Unpaid: University Student (Journalism).

Interests: Formula 1, writing, reading, football, kick-boxing, friends and just about anything that comes to her attention.

Favourites: Jenson Button, Neal Stephenson, Sue Grafton. More to come.

Can't Stand: Michael 'Scumsucker' Schumacher, J K Rowling, shellfish, gristle.