I WAS visiting my mum at Longfield Residential Home the day of Jessie Hall's tragic accident, which you reported (LET January 14).

It is disturbing for me to read how the staff were criticised at the inquest.

We believe Longfield is second to none, mainly due to the hard work of its staff and the attention to detail of its directors.

The staff put residents' personal needs top of their priority list, treat each resident individually -- knowing all their likes and dislikes -- and always do everything possible to provide a safe, happy, loving and caring environment.

As a frequent visitor, I have seen only heartfelt affection flowing from the staff when dealing with the residents and a strong sense of family values echoing throughout the home.

The Care Standards Agency pride themselves on national standards, including risk assessments, a process which involves masses of paperwork for care homes.

This is commendable providing it does not take precedence over the real issues -- the day-to-day needs of the real people, the residents.

A perfect paper system is meaningless if care, time and love is not evident at all times, together with a strong sense of commitment to work.

So I would like to say: "Keep up the good work Longfield. All the residents appreciate you and my family and I are content to leave our precious mum in your care."

PAMELA CHADWICK (Mrs), Ribchester Road, Wilpshire, Blackburn.