I APPRECIATE just how difficult it is for Eric Leaver to come up with the required controversial column every Wednesday and obviously local politicians are usually fair game.

Indeed, East Lancashire has its fair share of pompous, patronising poseurs in its council chambers -- all of them potential targets for a Blunt-type bashing.

But not, Eric, Hyndburn's new Mayor, Councillor Dave Parkins. Okay, so he wears an earring -- not perhaps the stuffy image we have all been used to.

But don't judge this particular book by its over. By a country mile Coun Parkins is the most popular politician in Hyndburn. He's a principled, old-style councillor and although he is a loyal member of the Labour Party, he isn't afraid to oppose party policy when necessary, especially when the issues affect the people who elected him.

In my experience, most councillors are avoided like the plague by the electors, but I kid you not, people actually queue up to talk to Dave Parkins whenever he attempts to go about his business in town.

And in his private life he is a carer who, with good humour, looks after a party of people with learning difficulties -- not the easiest job in the world.

They certainly don't care that he wears a trinket in his ear.

DAVID ALLIN, Spouthouse Lane, Huncoat, Accrington.