I AM amazed and saddened at the protests that have taken place throughout Blackburn. The town should be honoured to receive such a distinguished guest as Ms Rice. It can only be good publicity of our town.

Alas, there is a vocal minority who felt that they should make her feel unwelcome and highlighted the small minded, insular views that have long been associated with small ex-mill towns.

The Bush administration may not be to everyone's liking but the people of Blackburn should not forget the great friendship that our country has had with the USA.

Our friends across the pond helped us in the two great wars and our affiliations with the country are much more beneficial than with any other nation.

I thank Ms Rice for honouring our small town with a visit; and to Jack Straw, thank you for standing firm in the face of protests and inviting such a great woman into our constituency.

S WILKINSON, Blackburn (via email).