IN THE light of the recent racist attacks following the referendum, I wanted to let you know that there are still many local people doing their best to offer the hand of friendship to those of all races living in this country. I am a volunteer for HOST UK and periodically I welcome mature international students, studying at UK universities, to spend a weekend with my family in our home. It’s a wonderful way for us to learn about different cultures, but also for the students to be given a friendly welcome, and at the same time to experience our British culture at grass root level. The work of HOST has always been important, but it is even more so now following the recent racial unrest. I would seriously urge anyone interested in doing their part to help promote racial harmony to contact HOST UK at hostuk.org, or by phoning 020 7739 6292 with a view to perhaps hosting themselves, if only for a one off day or weekend. Believe me, it is very rewarding and perhaps even goes a small way to improving race relations worldwide.

Helen C Holden (Mrs), Baileys Barn, Bradford on Avon

PS: HOST UK were desperate for new volunteers even before the present situation.