So this is a modern fiction. Pretty obscure scenario but seeing as I am a 'veteran' to this kind of holiday found it it quite an easy situation to write a story about. Tried to keep as many characters involved as possible. Let's see how this goes, thanks to my editor in chief as always, any ideas welcome...

The problem with mornings is they always come around far too quickly. My alarm's snooze button has been pressed four times now, it's probably time I got up. Smelling my room mates, Ethel and Gwen frying, or rather by the smell of it, burning their breakfasts I wearily sit up.

'Anna!' Gwen shouts through to me. 'We've done you some eggs.' Lucky me, I think to myself. 'And change your alarm tone. I've Gotta Feeling is so annoying once you've heard it the fourth time in a row.'

Grabbing my dressing gown from the back of my door, I run a hand through my tangled, un brushed hair. The smell of grease hits me like a speeding train as I open my bedroom door. Fighting the urge to gag, I join Ethel at the table as Gwen begins serving up breakfast.

'So, what do you reckon this John Bates will be like then?' Ethel speculates. 'I hope he's fit. Or at least younger than Mr Carson.'

'He only has to have survived the extinction of the dinosaurs to be younger than Mr Carson,' Gwen jokes, putting my breakfast down in front of me. I'm not totally convinced eggs are meant to be served in slices.

We were part of the entertainment team at Downton Sands, the North East coast's premier caravan park. Or at least that's what Robert Crawley, the park's owner tells us. Charles Carson, the head of the entertainment team for over 30 years is hanging up his bowler hat and tap shoes to semi retire to spend time with his new wife. His new wife happens to be the receptionist here at the park, Elsie Hughes.

I have spent six months in each of the past 4 years here at Downton Sands, my main talent being a dancer but we are all roped in to other tasks. Bingo calling, hosting game shows for the older guests and dressing up as meerkats and penguins. You name it, I have most probably done it. All in the name of entertaining thousands of holiday makers each summer.

'I bet he's really strict.' Gwen suggests, sitting beside us. Myself and Ethel share a look as Gwen decides not to risk her own cooking and pours herself a bowl of muesli instead. 'He was in the army with Robert after all.'

We are interrupted by a knock on the door. In bounds Thomas, another member of the team and he is closely followed by William. And so makes up the entertainment team at Downton Sands. The C Team. Not because there are two teams better than us, the C stands for Crawley, Robert's surname.

'Boys, do you have to come in here when we aren't even dressed yet?' Ethel moans, although discreetly showing a bit more thigh. Myself and Gwen roll our eyes as Williams face lights up.

'Whatever,' Thomas shakes his head. 'We've been for a walk and bumped into Robert. We are to meet in the show bar at 10.30 after the kids club breakfast.'

'Which reminds me, have you seen Mikey Meerkats head?' William casually asks as he helps himself to a piece of toast.

This was a typical question asked between the five of us on an almost daily basis. Mikey Meerkat was the parks mascot, and along with Perry Penguin they had been entertaining the children holidaying at Downton Sands year after year. The only downside was that we each had to take it in turns to be Mikey or Perry.

'Yeah, it's backstage. I take it you two are doing the breakfast this morning then?' I ask, hoping that the answer is yes.

'Well seeing as we are dressed, then yes.' William replied. And dressed they were. We didn't have the most flattering outfits in the daytime. The evening was fine, royal blue shirts with black waistcoats and trousers, but during the day we had to wear bright yellow tracksuits, which we all agreed might possibly be visible from space. These tracksuits were finished off with a delightful royal blue and red trim. Maybe it was sometimes better to be dressed as a meerkat or a penguin.

'Thanks guys, we'll make it up to you,' Ethel promised.

'You will, you're doing Mikey's treasure hunt this afternoon.' Thomas replied. And with that, they left.

Upon entering the show bar, the three of us saw the rest of the staff. I hope John Bates knew what he was in for as I look around the crowd gathered. Joining William and Thomas, we sit down.

'Did you find Mikey's head?' Ethel asks.

'Yes thanks, it was next to Perry's.' William replies, distracted. He was looking over at Daisy, who manned the bar in the evenings. William had a soft spot for her and would always make a beeline for her.

'Okay, can I have your attention please.' Robert appears on stage, dressed in his usual loud shirt and leather jacket. Charles stands beside him. 'There is someone I would like you to meet.'

'It's not George Clooney is it?' Sarah O' Brien, the bar manager asked.

'No Sarah,' Robert tutted. 'Unfortunately George was busy. It is your new complex general manager.' Robert looked around at all our blank faces. 'Please, calm down. There's no need to be that excited.'

At that point, a man walks from behind the curtain and limps towards the front of the stage.

Wondering who the imposter is, we are surprised by Robert's next words. 'This is John Bates. He served with me in the army and he is now your new boss.' Robert then precedes to slap the man on the back as John salutes in response.

'Hi,' he says, a broad smile on his face. I don't know why, but his smile endears me to him. He is tall, has a well kept mop of black hair and sideburns to die for. I had always been attracted to older men, I wouldn't have been disappointed if Sarah's prediction of George Clooney appearing had been true, but there was something about John Bates. He was a well dressed man, here he was standing before me in jeans, a black shirt with a grey waistcoat over the top. His eyes were beautiful and gleamed when he smiled. All I knew was that I wouldn't mind getting to know him better.

'You may be wondering about John's credentials,' Robert continued.

'Well he limps well,' Thomas called out to laughs from the crowd.

'Don't be so mean,' I kick Thomas under the table. My actions have caught John's attentions and I feel my breath quicken as his eyes meet mine.

'Thank you Mr Barrow. John has owned a string of restaurants across the south.'

'Has owned? You mean he doesn't now?' Sarah asked. 'What happened?'

'My ex wife,' John answers truthfully. 'All I was left with was a cheque and 3 black bags filled with my clothes.'

'Do the dirty on her, did you?' Sarah smirked.

'No. The opposite actually.' John corrected her. 'I didn't want anything more to do with her so let her have the restaurants in exchange for enough money to make a new life for myself.'

'And this is your new life?' Ethel asks, looking around the room we are sitting in. 'Managing the entertainments staff at a holiday park? I'd rather stay in a loveless marriage.'

'Well, I'll soon let you know if I made the right decision,' John replies. I am attracted to his quick wit. He seems to be able to handle these people, something which has been lacking over this new season. With Mr Carson loved up, we need someone who is fully focused on the task ahead. 'I also can't wait to get my hands on my yellow tracksuit. Which tasteless individual designed those?'

'I did,' was Robert's short reply.

'Oh, well I'm sure they grow on you.' John backtracked.

'Yeah, like a fungus.' Ethel replied, turning her nose up.

'Well, we can talk about uniform later.' Robert continued before looking at me. 'Anna.'

'Yes Robert.' I reply, not averting my gaze from John.

'I think you might be the only staff member who hasn't annoyed me today. You can have the afternoon off showing John the ins and outs of life at Downton Sands.' Robert said.

'It would be my pleasure, Robert.'