SIR: My colleague and I are currently researching the growth and influence of cult organisations in the North West, with the aim of promoting a cult awareness campaign.

It is estimated that there are currently over 500 cult organisations operating throughout the country and the dangers of involvement have been highlighted by the recent headlines concerning the Rev. Brain and the 'Nine O'Clock Service' in Sheffield.

We would like to appeal to your readers for their personal experiences regarding cult activity in the North West, with a view to promoting cult awareness by means of help-lines and self-help groups.

We would be particularly interested in the experiences of former cult members, and families who have had their lives affected by cult membership.

We would also be interested in the response any of your readers received in completing a questionnaire carried by your sister paper, the Bolton Journal in the form of a 'personality' test advertised as the Dianetics Information Centre, as this organisation has close links with the Church of Scientology.

All replies will be treated in the strictest confidence.

A Martin & R M Gibson

CSV Media

BBC NW Bi-media, 6 New Market Street

Wigan, WN1 1SG

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