TRIBUTES to public figures are generally overstated. However, in Barbara Castle's case, no praise can be high enough.

Much has quite rightly been written about her vast achievements in improving the living conditions of many people, but Barbara Castle, like all great social reformers, was also appalled at the abuses to animals and worked tirelessly to prevent them.

As a vice president of the League Against Cruel Sports, she was committed to the abolition of bloodsports. On many occasions she tried to wake up the moribund House of Lords to the plight of hunted animals with her customary zeal.

With the prospects of bloodsports being abolished now closer than ever, it is a real shame she did not live to see the day when her hard work was rewarded.

It's almost inconceivable that Blackburn will ever have such an outstanding talent as its MP again. She will be very sadly missed.

G METCALFE, Moorhey

Crescent, Bamber Bridge.