I TOTALLY agree with Angela Kelly when she says let's have an end to TV nasties.

Over the last 30 years or so, we have all been encouraged to look after number one. We have adopted the American trait of winner takes all. Losers are looked on as non-entities.

The English idiosyncrasy of supporting the underdog and applauding the runner who finishes last is fast dying "It isn't the winning, it's the taking part" is an adage that is laughed at these days.

Yes, in sport, of all things, cheating and lying is encouraged. We see it every week on football pitches. It just isn't cricket! We even treat our elderly with contempt, as if, just because they are old, they are in the way.

Now, this win at all costs attitude has spread to the small screen. Is it any wonder that The Weakest Link became a huge success in the US? We caught the nasty attitude from them and now we are getting better at it than they are.

I am totally convinced that the increase in sex, violence and bad language in films -- most of which are American -- and especially on TV, is responsible for the lowering of moral standards and the increasing violence and crime in Britain today. When this is thrown into your living room every day, and when many people watch TV from dawn until bedtime, this must have an effect on people especially the young and the susceptible.

Yes, Angela, let's get back to gentler entertainment and to when people cared more about others and less about themselves.

B Derbyshire

Ribchester Grove

Bolton