I have been reduced to walking on two sticks for about three years now. I can walk a few yards so use a car as much as possible.

My impression over these years has been that we not only live in a beautiful country, we live in a land of beautiful people who, although strangers, will always offer help or take responsibility when asked, especially shop assistants, always with a kind word.

I often read of people lonely in old age. Well, just go to The Shires or the park in Trowbridge, sit on one of the benches and there is soon somebody next to you giving his or her life story.

GF White, Coppice Hill, Bradford on Avon.

PS When walking (as other disabled people) I sometimes think wouldn’t it be good if we had more park-type benches in shopping malls, at road junctions etc? I have found a shortage.