SIR: I noted recently, two readers' points of view on what can only be classed as the town's tasteless clamour to get a knighthood for Nat Lofthouse, and their much more balanced perspective on what is truly deserving of such an award.

No doubt, I voice the opinion of many Boltonians, who, while having the utmost respect for Nat Lofthouse, see the present outcry of notable dignitaries and fervour of petition-signing as crass and undignified to the character of the town.

I'm sure that the unassuming Nat Lofthouse would be the first to agree that hundreds, if not thousands, of more deserving nominees for knighthood exist within the local community. Unfortunately, such is life these days, that it is usually the size and player(s) of the 'drum of support', which gets the results.

So come on, let's stop this embarrassment to Nat, and get on with the more mundane but equally important recognition of our town's true unsung knights.

H Crompton

Springfield

Stoneclough

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.