RECENT correspondence has inspired me to write in support of the shopkeepers of Darwen. They are an obliging set of people, keen to sell their goods with a friendly smile.

I had reason to buy a large quantity of paint for my garden fence this summer and I saw an offer in the paper from one of the superstores giving a marked reduction in price.

I was tempted to buy some there, but not being very mobile, I decided to see what was available in Darwen.

I found a hardware shop on the main road near the centre of town and asked if they had the paint and if they could match the superstore's price.

Not only did they match it, they bettered it and delivered it free. Since then I have found they have been able to supply many of my requirements in hardware, electrical and garden requisites.

This is only one instance and I have found other shopkeepers just as obliging.

I do not want Darwen to become a dead town. It is nice to be able to go to the Autumn Club for lunch and to the lovely theatre for a wide variety of shows.

I am only an adopted Darwener, but after 40 years I wouldn't want to live anywhere else.

GWEN PICKLES (via e-mail)