SOMEONE phoned me on Sunday afternoon and asked if I was the Brian Derbyshire who writes letters to the BEN.

I wasn't surprised by this, because it very often happens. But I was surprised when the lady told me she was from the BBC TV programme Kilroy, and that they had read a letter of mine in the BEN on the subject of smacking children. She asked me if I would like to appear on the TV programme.

I declined the offer, having never seen a Kilroy programme, and for personal reasons. However, I find it amazing that the people at the BBC actually read the BEN.

I have been told before that the letters pages of local newspapers are read in the corridors of power, and by big organisations. I've always taken this with a pinch of salt, but here's proof that at least one big organisation, or part of it, actually does read "Your Views".

There must be many more readers who have been contacted by TV companies etc. It might prove interesting to hear from them, and to see just who does read the BEN's letters page.

Brian Derbyshire

Ribchester Grove

Bolton