SIR – On March 10 last year you ran a report about DNA testing for the Viking gene to which I responded by pointing out that a common characteristic of those possessing the gene is a deformation of the middle finger of either hand.

I wrote to you pointing out that I had this genetic defect and that my surname derives from the Latin for Sweden which is Holmia (we also have a chemical element named after us – Holmium).

On January 3 you asked in your editorial ‘Who would want to carry a knife?’.

Well I do because my deformed digits mean that when I use one of those change-giving parking ticket machines I can’t get my hand in to extract the coins, thus I have to use a pen knife to do the job for me.

Once when doing just this in Keighley the next bloke in the queue asked me if I knew I was committing an offence.

Some people have no sense of heritage.

Brian Holmans, Langley Road, Bingley