I WISH to congratulate Angela Kelly on her superbly-written feature following the jailing of Ms Amos in Oxfordshire for allowing her daughters to truant.

Her article was like a breath of fresh air. I sincerely hope that the reference to "feral" children roaming the streets brought a pang of guilt-conscience to those irresponsible parents who seem to have no regard for where their youngsters are, or indeed what they might be doing. As a parent of three children aged between 11 and 15, I am very much aware of how challenging parenthood can be and agree that it is the hardest -- yet the best -- job in the world. As I am a teacher too, her view that there is no excuse for children being denied an education struck a resounding chord with me. I am all in favour of a child-friendly society, but that is NOT the same as a child-directed one.

It is regrettable that a mother is in prison, but if it means that "a few feckless parents" sit up and take note, then it will indeed have served a purpose. I hope that, like me, parents across Bolton will have read Angela Kelly's words and thought about the truth in them.

Thank you for such a refreshing viewpoint.

Mrs Dawn Hitchen,

Egerton