Rainbows: questions and Band 8 answers

Not very often, to be honest. Living in a fairly built-up city, tall buildings tend to block the horizon, so seeing one is quite a rare treat. I probably spot one maybe once or twice a year, usually during sudden sunshowers in early spring.

It was actually just a couple of weeks ago. I was driving home from work during an afternoon downpour, and as the clouds parted, a vibrant double rainbow appeared right over the motorway. I even pulled over briefly to take a quick photo on my phone.

Honestly, it always lifts my spirits. There is something quite magical about the bright burst of colours against a gloomy grey sky. Even if I'm having a stressful day, catching sight of one instantly makes me feel a bit more cheerful and grounded.

Oh, absolutely. Like most kids, I went through a phase where I drew them on everything using bright wax crayons. I distinctly remember sticking a huge painting of a rainbow on our kitchen fridge, which stayed there for years until the paper eventually faded.

Yes, I would say so. Traditionally, people view them as a symbol of good fortune and hope after a period of hardship. In folklore, there is also that classic myth about finding a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, which every child grows up hearing.