DO you have house and contents insurance?

A surprising number of people admit that in fact, they don't.

They claim it's too expensive or even an unnecessary expense. Cheaper to keep the money tucked away for a rainy day.

Except, when it pours down, you might find having a rainy day fund was nowhere near enough of a failsafe.

Pity the poor family who lost everything in a fire at their home in Westhoughton last week. They lost everything they possess.

It is the fear of finding myself in that situation that means I have always had insurance. I even insure my dishwasher, which you could argue is a luxury cushion, but it makes me feel better.

I like to sleep sound at night, knowing that if there was a fire, at least we would be able to put a roof over our heads.

However, the silver cloud, if there is one, for the family whose nightmare became a reality, is the wonderful and co-ordinated response of their friends and neighbours.

We can all take heart that councillors have rallied a military operation to collect food and clothing for the family who find themselves in a pretty desperate plight.

They must be cheered by the good hearted kindness of people, including strangers, who have reached out to help them in their hour of need. We would all be heartily glad to be on the receiving end of such goodness.

But still, get insurance.