MIGHT I suggest another brace of heroes for Neil Bramwell's list of misplaced New Year "gongs" (LET, December 31)?

First: Wasim Akram, for failing to perform for Lancashire for 10 years, except when it suited him or, as was the case this year, when he realised he'd burnt his boats a month before the end of the season and actually turned up and showed long-suffering members what he could do when he wanted to. A glance at his record will reveal all.

Secondly: Frank Teasdale, for spending the past 18 months denying Burnley fans the chance of the Ingleby millions. I have spoken to no one who can say just what it is that's "wrong" about Mr Ingleby, as Mr Teasdale averred, while busily conjuring up Mr Shackleton and his £1 million "fib" for that's what is was - a feat which thoroughly merits a "gong."

Perhaps he was hoping for a "white knight" to emerge, or was Mr Kilby already in the wings, but couldn't get his hands on his money?

And what part did the retiring directors play in all this? It's just like one of those City scandals, isn't it, except they have regulators.

All in all, I reckon this is a prime case for a bit of investigative journalism, perhaps with John Blunt.

I did consider proposing Henry Blofeld, but he's just boring.

Finally, I trust Neil Bramwell will be making his awards an annual event.

J D MORTIMER (Mr), Green Drive, Clitheroe.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.