FAMOUS people are always writing letters to their younger selves.

Alan Cumming warned his 16-year-old self to chill out and just "go with the flow", while Stephen Fry admired his younger self's "arrogance and rage and misery".

In Gillian Anderson's letter she told her younger self to expand her horizons, think of others and to be grateful...and to "follow your dreams not your boyfriends".

Meanwhile, veteran actor Gene Hackman, now 85, suggested his teenage self should head to New York instead of Hollywood if he decided to act because "it might be easier".

It's all sound advice and there are some interesting statements in the Dear Me, A Letter To My Sixteen-Year-Old-Self book.

I thought it was about time to get in on the act and write to my five-year-old self, because that's probably the time you're most in need of advice to live the rest of your life.

And, who knows, maybe some well-read five-year-olds will gain some valuable knowledge off the back of it.

So, young Rachel, I have to start by saying your gut instinct was right.

You were right to kick up a fuss about starting school. But you're wrong to think it will go on forever. It does not. It's only a wee part of life.

So while you're there you should make the most of it. Read more, write more, ask more questions.

Do more sports even though it's deemed cooler to forget your gym shorts. And don't be overshadowed by people who talk louder than you.

Work hard but don't be afraid to be naughty. Naughty is fun.

You were right about another thing...boys. When you refused to accept the engagement ring from the boy in your nursery class, you were 100% correct. And not just because he had stolen the ring from his mum.

You will meet many boys and always trust your instinct - most will be more trouble than they're worth.

As a teenager don't get addicted to Aitken's Baker. Those custard slices and hot rolls with butter and jam are bad for you, would you believe?

When you dye your hair black and add blue streaks don't expect it to look good. But do it anyway because it's fun.

However, listen to your mum's advice when she tells you not to get tattoos until you're older.

When you head to college don't do anything differently. Enjoy making new friends and not having to pay bills.

While working at the pub try and drink half pints - you can't always keep up with the others.

When you're offered work experience at the local paper don't think twice.

Take risks at every opportunity because life's too short not to.