Does anyone know whether hammer toes are in the same category as bent fingers and long toes? There are quite a few in my family. Iris of Auckland, New Zealand

I've heard hammertoes are common among Scots. But I haven't heard if they are a one-gene, one family kind of thing. All I know is I've got them and my total heredity is Highland... Sheila

Dear All We've had hammertoes, bent little fingers - can I ask about hair patterns? Specifically coo's/cow's licks, where the hair in the centre of the parting springs up in the air, often to the embarassment and annoyance of the owner. I ask as it appears frequently in a strong form in our family with East coast roots. An American correspondent, a Ramsey, and her family have the same thing. Does anyone know anything about its frequency in different ethnic groups? all the best Gavin.