ATTEMPTING to watch some television over the Christmas period has been an ordeal that has sorely tried my patience - what with repeat films, unfunny cartoons and late-night viewing designed for children.

But I came upon an absolute gem that had it all - revealing costumes, suggestive body language, rhythm and, above all, was interesting.

What have I missed?, you say - "Come Dancing," that's what.

With a compere like Rosemarie Ford and the ever-compelling Donnie Burns and Gaynor Fairweather competing it was an hour of pure enjoyment.

Alas, anyone starting up today would struggle to find a venue that could hold close on a thousand dancers, plus full orchestra and two vocalists.

In my young days, you could go on the train to Blackpool with admittance to the Tower or Winter Gardens included for 3s 6d (17p).

The train ride home on the "passion wagon" was something to look forward to. And if you got lucky and took a girl home, even if it was a few miles out of town, there was no question of a taxi even though you had to be in work for 5.30am.

FRANCIS CROSS, Royds Street, Accrington.

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