THE number, in miles per hour, that legless motorist Robert Bate (26) drove his car during a police chase, using broom poles and sticky tape to operate the accelerator and brake pedals. The paraplegic, from Durham in the UK, set up a system where each pole was strapped to a pedal of his Vauxhall Astra with duct tape and fastened to his wrist, leaving one hand to steer. Last week, he was sentenced to 12 months in prison.

999

THE number of matches football star Steve Claridge has ended his career on. In 20 years, the footballer played 999 games for 18 different clubs. Now the desperate journeyman has offered to play for nothing in a bid to hit the 1,000th mark.

Given that he is now 40 and past his footballing prime, it remains to be seen whether anyone will take him up on his offer.

115

THE amount, in pounds, of the most expensive perfume in the world. Worn by Katie Holmes on her wedding day, the Imperial Majesty version of No. 1 by Clive Christian is made from some of the rarest ingredients in the world, including cardamom, carnation vanilla and bonzoin, whatever that is.

11 and a half

THE weight, in stones, that Rusty the labrador was allowed to grow to by his negligent owners. RSPCA officers said he resembled a seal and are taking the UK owners to court. "His food was his enjoyment, " his owners said. Not anymore, as poor old Rusty has been put into doggie Weight Watchers.