I JUST hate anyone waking me up from my sleep, but there he sits on the highest branch of the apple tree, this beautiful blackbird, every morning singing his little heart out to welcome another new day at 4am in the morning.

He hasn't a care in the world, bless him. I have to smile as I open my window and listen to his serenade, and thank God I am here in our beautiful country and not out in Iraq.

Mrs Evelyn Carr

Carr Road, Horwich