Talk of the Town: Giles is the toaster with the moster

And Alliance Wine's buying and marketing director Giles Cooke has had plenty to toast recently.

The Murrayfield-based wine supremo led the celebrations at the recent International Wine Challenge awards as his company scooped the Great Value Champion White Wine prize for its Moonbridge Riesling.

And just days later his wife Pippa gave birth to their first child, Issy Sophie.

"These awards are the pinnacle of the international wine industry, so it's a huge honour to win one," said Mr Cooke. "The fact that it was followed by the birth of my new baby makes it even more special. I'm very proud indeed."

Club contest serves up doubles in the singles

SPECTATORS to Colinton tennis club's junior finals could have been excused thinking they were seeing double when the under-13s took to centre court.

Successfully contesting the boy's title was Scott Little who saw off the challenge of twin brother, Ross.

Similarly, Charlotte Mair got the better of her twin, Jessica, in the girls final.

Making a meal of it

PATIENTS fed up with their hospital food might want to pick up NHS Lothian's in-house newspaper Connections for the chance to win a tasty restaurant meal.

Under the headlined "Win a delicious Indian meal" the competition describes "all the flavour of northern India" and "exotic Indian spices", before asking the crucial question - what kind of food is on offer?

In case you're struggling, there are three options: Scottish, Greek or Indian. We don't want to spoil anyone's fun. . . but we think we know the answer and we'll share it with anyone for a bite of your poppadum.

It's deeply scary stuff

ANYONE who is missing the Chilean miners from their news bulletins could get their fix of all things subterranean from the Scottish Mining Museum this Halloween, with a ghost tour exploring some of the spooky stories of the Lady Victoria Mine.

Characters Aggie McGhee and Mungo Mackay will tell the tale of headless miner Joke Kane and participants can listen out for "Dode Donnelly's squeals of terror coming from the deepest shaft to be sunk in Scotland", according to the museum's website.

Those of a nervous disposition may be glad to know that the cost of a glass of wine after the tour is included in the ticket price.