And Finally... Office staff get helter-skelter in place of lift

The white-knuckle exit has been fitted into Sheffield city centre's futuristic Electric Works building, which sees its first office tenants move in on Monday. And the unusual feature - part of an indoor playground and "club area" - has already attracted a number of other companies to the hi-tech complex.

Toby Hyam, managing director of Creative Space Company and co-designer of the helter-skelter, described it as a "statement about risk-taking".

He added: "It's a novelty, but it should also provide some memorable experiences."

Tucking my feet into the special little sack, I barely had time to catch my breath before landing in reception.

Corkscrewing down a 90ft high glass and steel tube in just seven seconds made a thrilling change from a boring old lift.

Then it was straight back to the top to give it another go - all in the line of duty, of course.

Finally, after my sixth high-speed descent I was feeling distinctly queasy so I called it a day.

Which was just as well because, apparently, my screams had attracted quite a crowd...