It’s been a wet autumn so far here in England, which has made it a tad difficult to get outside and enjoy all the spoils the season has to offer. But there’s perhaps one good thing all this rain has brought us: mud. And lots of it.

I know what you’re thinking – what, that mucky stuff that gets all over the floor and the kids' clothes? But wait. Not only does a little mud not do anyone any harm, according to our experts it can be positively bursting with health benefits, particularly for children. The billions of microorganisms it contains help them develop healthy immune systems and can lower their risk of common illnesses, allergies and possibly even autoimmune diseases. So let them make mud pies. Just make sure they wash their hands properly afterwards.

Also today: we often hear breathless news reports about the generosity of billionaire philanthropists. But a closer look reveals they may not be as generous as we’ve been led to believe. And, while scholars are divided on whether Donald Trump really is a fascist, our expert believes he has certainly shown a tendency to lean that way.