AT first, I was quite amused at the indignation Simon Kenyon felt at the assumption that Hyndburn's Conservative leader Peter Britcliffe, was casting aspersions on our retiring mayoress (Letters, May 20).

Anyone who has had any contact with Ms Lesley Jackson will know her to be a very classy and highly intelligent lady -- attributes which, I am sure, Mr Kenyon, or anyone who knows the two ladies, would prefer in the position both hold. Both, in their own way, make excellent ambassadors for Hyndburn.

COUN EDITH DUNSTON,

Fairfield Street, Accrington.