IN THE build-up to the year 2000, many feared the millennium bug would wreak havoc with computer systems across the world.

Some failed to grasp the concept of a computer virus - my grandma thought it would have her lashed to the toilet throughout January.

Of course the millennium bug didn't happen and News Shopper journalists were able to use their computers to report good, bad and unintentionally funny news throughout 2000.

The year started with bad news. On January 5, News Shopper reported an Orpington pensioner who fell and injured herself on Christmas Day but had to wait until Boxing Day for an ambulance to arrive.

Fortunately there was also good news in January when part-time songwriter from Northfleet, 50-year-old Robin Willow, hit the big time by penning a tune for US country legend Garth Brooks.

January also saw unintentionally funny news when five 18-year-olds from Beckenham stripped off to perform the full monty to raise £1,500.

News Shopper displayed a photo of them posing topless while staring moodily into the camera.

Maybe they were meant to look like boyband Backstreet Boys but unfortunately they failed miserably.

In October, News Shopper asked readers to send in descriptions of their dreams.

Some of the responses could have been used as evidence in a committal hearing.

One woman described her recurring nightmares about using public toilets, writing: "Apart from being filthy, the toilet is visible to the public and I can be seen when I'm using it, and feel very embarrassed."

Last week I wrote about children in 1986 having nightmares after meeting Postman Pat - a man in a giant, unintentionally terrifying costume.

In 2000, adults didn't know any better, as a huge Postman Pat once again scared youngsters during a visit to a sports centre in Sidcup.

It seems there may be a need for a support group for the countless people in News Shopper's patch who have been scarred for life by a childhood meeting with Pat.