SIR: With regard to recent criticism of Mr Ernie Ford's remarks regarding the merits or otherwise of BEN's 'Daily Poem" feature, I should like to put the record straight on his behalf.

I have known Ernie Ford for a number of years and know for a fact that the last thing he wants is to "put people off" writing poetry. In fact, he used to hold classes to help people in their efforts to "put thoughts into words" by writing poetry and prose.

Furthermore, he IS a qualified person, having had many of his poems and plays published.

Ray White, Leigh Road, Westhoughton

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