I AM struggling to reconcile two stories printed recently in the Lancashire Telegraph on November 26 and 27.

A "remorseless" Polish man with 50 convictions in his homeland, continues his criminal activities in this country but cannot be deported after his prison sentence because his offences are not considered serious enough.

Another man, Hartley Alleyne, has lived and earned his keep in this country for 29 years, with youngsters benefiting from his skills and experience, but he is threatened with deportation because his work permit had been refused as he does not possess an NVQ.

I know who I would rather have stay here. People like Mr Alleyne should be positively encouraged.

I was brought up under the maxim "Actions speak louder than words."

Unfortunately, we seem to already live in a virtual world where a person's skills, knowledge and experience are deemed worthless unless accompanied by an arbitrary piece of paper.

If honorary degrees can be awarded, why can Mr Alleyne not be granted an honorary NVQ and then a permanent residency permit?

JOAN SOURBUTTS, Coronation Street, Great Harwood.