MIGHT I suggest to Helen Mead (LET, March 5) that if she wants to relive her youth she can repeat the follies of her youth. I think she is far too young to remember the 'Swinging Sixties,' the mini skirt, 'hot pants,' high-heeled shoes -- oh what a glorious sight to see.

The ladies of 40 years ago were worth more than a second glance. Now, look at yourselves -- even the doormen at a nightclub hardly look at you.

I am often told I am living in the past and that fashions have changed. They have not changed -- the dungarees you wear today (even on a Sunday) were worn 70-odd years ago, when we were doing a mucky job in the engine room of a ship during the Second World War.

The long dresses date back to Queen Victoria's time. There is nothing that is new.

A lady of 83 takes up belly dancing (LET, February 26) -- there is a hint there for Mrs Mead: she can try to recapture some of her lost youth. If 'Auntie Flo' can put on her 'war paint' to go to see her doctor, surely Mrs Mead can paint and powder her nose to go to a club and if she had the courage to wear a mini skirt or hot pants she would be the belle of the newsroom.

LESLIE JONES, Aviemore Close, Audley, Blackburn.