'Max the Forger' is an artist and gentleman whose colourful lifestyle has spanned over seventy years. He has lived under the strict regime of Barnardo's children's homes, been an elephant handler in the circus, lived rough, busked his way from Brighton to Bombay, sold his fakes up and down the country, dined with dukes, socialised with celebrities, associated with gangsters, served time in prison, and donated tens of thousands to charity. And through it all, he never stopped smiling, and loving life - and missing his mum.

"Mister Brandrett, I do not see you as a malicious criminal," sighed the judge, "but why-oh-why do you continue to use your God-given talent in this way?"

"I just can't help myself, Your Honour. It's like an addiction," I grinned.