I HAVE been waiting for a cataract operation for heaven knows how long and because of my poor eyesight I asked a shopkeeper to select me some nice Christmas cards.

But he gave me birthday cards, so I've sent them to people who meant to have a Christmas greeting and explained why they've got birthday cards.

As least it will cause a laugh and that's what we are short of nowadays.

And, hopefully, the National Health Service will get better and I will be able to choose my own Christmas cards.

MRS OLIVE SLATER, Sussex Street, Nelson.