We’ve been having some spectacular sunrises recently but if you want to take photographs of one you have to be quick; it takes just a few minutes for the sun to set off the colours of fire as it rises above the sea. As the sun emerges the orange, red and gold soon gives way to the normal blue white and grey of day.

Though it was freezing cold yesterday morning I dashed, straight from bed, out onto the terrace and took the shots below. But I was not alone on the terrace – my neighbour from number two also was out to see the sight; like me, he was in his pajamas and barefoot…