SO much has been said and written about Jack Walker, the football benefactor and so far I have seen little mention of Jack Walker, the employer.

I worked for the Walker Group as personnel officer for over 17 years and during this period, along with Mr Fred Walker, a decent standard of living was given to many, many people, not only in Blackburn. We had branches all over Britain and Ireland.

Each Christmas every employee was sure of their Christmas dinner -- everyone got a giant turkey. To combat the cold weather every shop floor employee was issued with warm clothing of their choice or boots.

Jack Walker's motto was "Think Big" and when he said he was going to ask the Queen or Duke of Edinburgh to open the new premises at Guide in 1970, we all thought it was a huge joke.

But sure enough, the Duke of Edinburgh did the honours. That was a day which any employee at that time will never forget.

Their generosity was overwhelming and the day finished off with a super party in a marquee on site, with food and drink in abundance.

Each employee and customer was given a bone china tea-set.

It was a very sad day for us all when one lunchtime in 1973 we were all called to the works where Jack Walker (JW as we called him) stood on the back of one of his wagons and made the announcement that he was going to live in Jersey -- to safeguard our jobs.

You could have heard a pin drop after that announcement and a few tears were shed. Yes, he was a good employer.

MILDRED HOUGHTON (Mrs), Moorfield Avenue, Blackburn.