WITH reference to the article, "Thoughts of an Englishman Abroad" (The Bolton News, February 23).

I must say that I found Chris Deary's article very interesting and a riveting read. It captures how I first felt when I came to England in the summer of 1963 from India at the age of 12 years.

It was indeed good to read Chris's article from his perspective as to what it is like to be an ethnic minority living in China.

His account very much resonates with how I felt when I was being stared at in England. Even after 40 years of living in the UK, this still happens now and then, particularly when going into those remote towns or areas where there is none or a very scant ethnic minority living there.

It is, however, good for me to state that, within England, with its very diverse multicultural ethnic make-up, we as a people have quickly learnt to live together side by side in harmony and tolerance. This is sometimes despite our substantial differences, whether they be faith, colour, culture or creed.

The recent showing of Big Brother on television has demonstrated and magnified to the likes of me from amongst the ethnic minority population that, despite the display of racism and bullying of one its contestants by some of the other contestants, and irrespective of their fame, the majority of the indigenous population of this country did not stand shoulder to shoulder with bigots of any kind.

I find this display of solidarity against bigotry and racism extremely comforting.

Furthermore, I add that as part of my work I meet a wide range of people up and down the country on a daily basis and I have found a great majority of them to be very warm, helpful and friendly.

I hope, with the prospect of ever increasing trade with China, many will join Chris from England.

My advice to Chris is continue to be radiant in whatever he does and be warm to people at all times.

If Marco Polo did it, I am sure you too can do it, Chris.

M Iqbal Essa JP Blackburn Road Astley Bridge Bolton