HAVING served in the guards and worn the scarlet jacket and bearskin standing outside the Palace, I've always been proud of our heritage and pageantry.

This week Anne and I were delighted to be invited to the State Opening of Parliament.

We sat in the Royal Gallery and watched in awe as the Queen and Prince Philip walked by us into the House of Lords.

The procession which preceded the Queen was magnificent in its colour and splendour and the whole ceremony, I'm sure, made everyone proud to be British.

The many ambassadors and high-ranking officials from around the world could only watch in wonderment at something that we do better than anyone else.

Afterwards we were guests of the Speaker in his state rooms - a very down-to-earth man who made each one feel important as he welcomed them.

He would like at some stage to have a drink and a chat with Alex Ferguson and me, which betrays his roots in the Glasgow shipyards.

A wonderful visit to the capital was rounded off by being able to see the best stage show I've ever witnessed - Mel Brooks's The Producers at the Theatre Royal in Drury Lane.

It's playing to full houses and the standing ovation at the end says it all.

For laughter and sheer enjoyment for nearly three hours, it's the best present you could give to anyone.

It did cost a little bit more than a seat at a football match but it lasted longer, no one got sent off and, for once, mutual consent was an acceptable phrase to use - because there wasn't a person in the house who didn't enjoy it!