NEXT time you’re cleaning the windows inside or having a vigorous session of dusting, take heart from the knowledge that you’re helping prolong your life.

A study has found that half an hour of housework a day can cut the risk of premature death by over a quarter. Doing household chores, or walking or any other regular activity that raises the heart-rate for 30 minutes could help prevent one in 12 of all deaths.

This is certainly worth considering when you’re grumbling through the vacuum-cleaning or resenting the world as you wade through the ever-increasing ironing basket.