Tommy had always been a dab hand at DIY and when he saw a semi-derelict cottage set in an overgrown garden for sale in Larne he made a ridiculously low bid and was surprised when it was accepted.

Over the next couple of years he spent all his spare time renovating the cottage and when he'd finished it, he and Irene moved in. Tommy then turned his attention to the garden and by Summer it looked absolutely splendid.

Mid-Summer he was out in the garden, weeding by the short wall next to the road when the Priest walked past.

"My word, over the last two years you and God have done wonderful work" he said.

Tommy replied "Huh, you should have seen it when he had it all to himself."