Walter had faintly noticed the mouse booth during last year's fête, but had elected not to visit it.

Now, what with the Echo-related fuss about dormice, he's much more curious.

Feeling somewhat like a character out of a James Blunt movie, Walter makes a show of looking at everything the shop has to offer before picking a fluffy plush mouse to buy.

"Have you been in Mossgate long?" he asks, once he's at checkout.

"I can't say I recognize you."