Our family bike ride turns into a race against nature

It was sunny, almost warm, and we were cycling along a beach in a scene you'd say was close to perfect.

- RICHARD IRVINE

We took a break, so Thomas and Emma could clamber on slippery rocks, and not listen to my shouts of "be careful".

"Is there a toilet near here?" Thomas asked, and I smiled, congratulating myself on raising such a well-mannered little boy, who would ask before going for a wee in public.

There were a few dog walkers, people flying kites, and I said nobody would be too offended if you went behind a big rock.

He jogged off, and appeared to crouch down, within the view of an elderly couple out for a stroll.

"Noooooo," I shouted, while sprinting over to grab his arm and force him into a standing position.

Disaster averted, I explained he needs to let me know what he's thinking of in toilet terms, before I give him the go-ahead.