I'M heartened to know that, being an ex Boltonian, I'm probably 'open, friendly, colourful and straightforward', not to mention displaying 'generosity, decency and good humour' (Letter, January 6).

So I followed Mr Hurst's recommendation to 'tell the rest of the world about Bolton and its people'. Well, actually, I've been telling people here in Kentucky.

Its not working! Despite my efforts, the Kentuckians still do not buy the 'Bolton Vision'. None, to my knowledge, have even booked a trip to Bolton.

I see that Brian Derbyshire (January 17) is supporting the absurd notion that the teenage morons who destroy graveyards might be converted to decent citizens possessing genuine compassion if they are counselled by the Church and maybe allowed to play darts in the Sunday School.

Let the louts simply mingle with the rest of the Bolton population and they're bound to change from their reprehensible ways.

Seriously, I'm proud to be a Boltonian 'but let's keep our qualities in perspective.

Peter Inch Lexington Kentucky