I DON'T hear jokes like I used to, but this one sent to the office tickled me.

And Manchester United fans please don't think I'm getting at Mr Beckham, I have some admiration for the good looking guy, who very much reminds me of a Sixties' boyfriend.

It goes: "A plane was about to crash and there were five people on board and only four parachutes.

The first person said: "I'm Roy Keane, one of the best footballers in Ireland. I am worth a lot of money and my fans need me so I think I should be saved."

The others agreed and gave him one of the parachutes and off he went.

The second said: "I'm Gerry Adams, a radical Irish politician who can really help my country and I think I should be saved."

The others said: "OK" and gave him a parachute.

The third said: "I'm David Beckham, captain of the English soccer team. I have a wife and son and a new-born baby. Everyone knows I am a really nice guy and everyone thinks I am stupid, but I'm not, so I am taking a parachute," and off he went.

There were two left, the Pope and a10-years-old girl.

The Pope said: "Child I am old and frail and have lived my life while you are young with everything before you. You take the parachute and I will stay with the aircraft and take my chance"

"It's OK" said the girl, "there are still two parachutes. David Beckham picked up my schoolbag!"

It's nice to have a laugh.