Steve runs away from home, having argued with his father, and hides in a slate mine where his friend Paul finds him and brings him back. However, on returning to their village the two boys find the place completely deserted. Or so they think.

A huge chemical company pays illegal dumpers for disposal of chemical waste dangerous to the environment.

John Stewart is Scottish Junior Judo Champ. He has come to London to live. His new club and his new school want him to win competitions for them. His Dad wants him to bring glory to Scotland. The school bully badly needs teaching a lesson. But John no longer seems to enjoy tough competitive judo where the aim is to beat someone else. He wants something else - a different style, a deeper satisfaction. But few understand.

Karen and her older sister Sandra both take a trip to Brighton due to unforeseen circumstances.

Jill has everything; a successful career, four close, if somewhat exotic, friends (her 'family') and a live-in lover. They provide for all her needs including, eventually, a baby. But that is where reality sets in.