SIR - I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who attended the Grassington Dickensian Festival on Saturday December 8 for their generosity towards the Yorkshire Air Ambulance. The grand total of £87.30 was collected for the charity.

The money will be used towards covering the costs of the aircraft lease, medical equipment, paramedic and pilot salaries to maintain our vital air ambulance service.

All services provided by the Yorkshire Air Ambulance are available seven days a week, 365 days a year and are free of charge. Our expenses are covered by fundraising events, sponsorship and kind donations.

The increasing demand on our services means that this year's fundraising target is close to £1 million. We are therefore very privileged and most grateful for the support of the Yorkshire people.

Once again, our warmest thanks and appreciation.

Angela Mountfield,

Business Manager,

Yorkshire Air Ambulance.

Well organised

SIR - I attended the Medieval Fair held in Skipton and felt I had to congratulate the organisers, Skipton Chamber of Trade, on the excellent traffic and crowd control I witnessed.

The organisation regarding the despatch of so many people and coaches at the end of the day without jams and chaos was super.

All the marshals, some of them young ladies, were extremely polite and competent even when cold and tired and are a credit to your community.

The absence of litter was also commendable and all in all I came away with a most favourable impression of your town.

In these days of lowering standards of service and behaviour it was a pleasure to be amongst a well ordered community. Well done to all concerned.

PG Davis,

Lonsdale Close,

Willenhall,

Spirits lifted

SIR - I arrived home to Gargrave on Christmas Eve following a long stay in hospital. What a truly wonderful sight greeted me; the village was ablaze, magical with Christmas trees, lights and festive decorations.

The residents, the shopkeepers and newly-formed Gargrave Business Initiative group are to be warmly congratulated on this truly magnificent effort.

It certainly has lifted my spirits, and, I am sure, of others.

Coun Jean Harrison,

Marton Road,

Gargrave.

Card shop

SIR - I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the volunteers who helped in the Cards for Good Causes Christmas shop, the town hall for their hospitality and all the customers who bought cards in support of the various charities.

Once again the venture proved successful with all the charities benefiting from your support.

We look forward to seeing you again in 2002.

Joyce Young,

West Lane,

Sutton.

Christmas meal

SIR - I would like to express my appreciation of the wonderful service we have through the Age Concern organisation led by Sue Mann.

As I write today, Christmas Day, I have been fed a sumptuous meal in the Methodist Church Hall, followed by cheery music played by a charming guitarist which has made my day one of the happiest I could wish for.

We in Settle are very fortunate to be blessed with so much loving and thoughtful care of the community.

John Jones,

Longdale Avenue,

Settle.