The fantastic world of computer games has always failed to capture my imagination.

So imagine the surprise of my husband and two sons when I recently became enamoured by my sons' latest toy.

As a reward for good school reports, the Lopham boys were treated to one of the new interactive games with wireless handsets.

Being quite keen on playing tennis in the past, I was persuaded to have a go at the computer version and found that I really enjoyed myself.

I had never got the hang of, or had the inclination, to join the boys with their joysticks but this one is different. Yes, you still have to be in front of a TV screen but you actually get some exercise, dashing here and there with your 'racket'. I don't seem to remember Chris Evert having the same problem as me with low lightshades and fireplaces.

Although the game can be quite tiring on the arm, at least your little on-screen figure (personalised with all your own characteristics – minus grey hairs, a different outfit for every set and a new svelte figure) does all the scampering across the court for you and you are left to take the praise for that superb backhand winner that you never knew you had in you.

I began to wonder what other arduous tasks the little computerised me could take on – perhaps she could do the housework, washing, ironing and gardening for me?

Then I could sit and look at my pristine on-screen surroundings, blinkered to the reality of the jungle-sized weeds and untidy rooms that the combination of all that rain and having the boys at home for the summer holidays brings!