SIR - In view of the continuing spread of foot and mouth disease more than five months after it started, we, the undersigned, call for a new policy of voluntary vaccination of "contiguous herds" instead of the present slaughter programme which has killed nearly three million healthy animals, pets, sanctuary animals and rare breeds included.

Following the outbreak of foot and mouth disease in the Netherlands earlier this year, a vaccination policy was implemented there, and that country has since been permitted to re-commence meat exports.

However, rather than implementing a vaccination policy followed immediately by slaughter, we would prefer to see voluntary vaccination instead of slaughter in this country, vaccination being a policy advocated by a number of eminent scientists.

Christians, indeed all faith groups, should surely support all measures to look after animals as part of good stewardship and care of Creation, of which animals form an integral part. This cull of healthy animals has little basis in science and even less in ethics.

May Tripp (co-ordinator, Animal Christian Concern), St Margaret's Road, Horsforth. Pp Bruce Kent; Les Ward, (director, Advocates for Animals); The Rt Rev John Baker, former Bishop of Salisbury (patron, Compassion in World Farming; patron, the Methodist Animal Welfare Group; patron, Animal Christian Concern); Monsignor Michael Buckley, DD; Patrick Holden (The Soil Association, Farm & Food Society).

SIR - I was pleased to see the piece about Ragwort the other night. However, it did not mention that as it is so toxic to cattle, etc, it is not classed as a wild flower but as a noxious weed.

No-one need be afraid of prosecution for destroying it, but as the sap can be an irritant to some people, it might be best to wear gloves when handling it.

If a lot of it can be pulled up before it goes to seed, that will be billions fewer seedlings next year!

W Oddy, Spring Gardens, Norwood Green, Halifax.

SIR - Re Andrew Milne's suggestion on fireworks (Letters, July 28), I have been campaigning for new laws nationwide with the support of eight MPs from various parts of the country.

A vast amount of work went on in Bradford up to last year's Plot Night to ensure everyone's safety. The Bradford Bonfire & Fireworks Committee held at City Hall and involving all emergency services, myself representing Neighbourhood Watch, and concerned Council departments, put together a booklet informing Bradfordians of the laws etc concerning fireworks and bonfires and DTI safety information.

This was sent to anyone who intended to have a public bonfire or celebration.

I am in contact with campaigners nationwide. We in Bradford, although we have the highest injuries from fireworks, appear to be doing all the right things to reduce the problems.

Noise is the worst problem. It is not as bad in Bradford as it is in other cities and also in rural areas where hotels and country clubs celebrate with fireworks.

Fireworks are available to everyone all year round legally and people are using them as part of any type of celebration. All we can do is continue to campaign for changes in the laws and work together for a safer city.

A E Hellmich, Parkside Grove, Heaton.

SIR - On Sunday, September 16, I will be joining thousands of runners in this year's Great North Run. I am running on behalf of Marie Curie Cancer Care and would like to invite other participants to join me in raising money for this extremely worthy cause.

One in three of us will be affected by cancer and it is important that charities like Marie Curie are supported.

Money raised will help fund their local nursing service which is vital to the care of people living with cancer. Marie Curie Nurses work in the patients' own homes, usually at night. Their practical nursing skills enable carers to get a good night's sleep knowing their loved ones are in safe hands.

If any of your readers would like to join me, please can they contact their local Marie Curie fundraiser who will send them a running vest, sponsorship forms and details of a hospitality tent where runners can relax after the run and meet their family and friends.

Clare Frisby, Look North Presenter.

l EDITOR'S NOTE: The Bradford, Calderdale & Craven fundraising officer number is (01274) 780606.

SIR - I see from his letter that Mr Choudhury has put his finger on the cause of the Bradford disturbances - the botched partitioning of British India by the late Lord Mountbatten at the instructions of the post-war Labour Government. Can the British escape blame for anything?

David Simpson, Hirst Avenue, Heckmondwike.