1.   Although still carrying the hallmarks of a true fishing port, Padstow is fast gaining ground in the popularity stakes.

2.   But the coaching ground in New Zealand is probably more fertile.

3.   Diddymen are now thin on the ground in world football.

4.   Even now, as in the beginning, women are thin on the ground in the service.

5.   Far below ground in the anticline were the Millstone Grits and even deeper were the Carboniferous Limestones.

6.   Her show never really got off the ground in the UK.

7.   It was feared that the extreme right would gain ground in the election.

8.   It would mean establishing a landing ground deep in the desert, for instance at Defa.

9.   Mr Ciampi will be on more familiar ground in his economic policies.