SIR – I would like to thank the T&A for boosting the funds of the Friends of Pudsey Roller as a result of coverage of our talk on the history of Leeds Steam Cranes that recently took place in Farsley’s Liberal Club.

A reader, David Gowing, saw this in the paper at the time and, as was indicated in the paper on November 12, he brought along an unusual two-tone whistle which he was minded to donate for use on the steam roller. Unfortunately this was not possible since it turned out to be an exhaust whistle from a veteran car and was thus not suitable for steam use.

Mr Gowing therefore decided to offer it for sale on an international auction house website and donate the profits to Friends of Pudsey Roller. As a result of this splendid gesture, we have now received a cheque for £150 – which will go some large way towards the eventual purchase of a steam whistle for the machine at some time in the future.

Donations are still required to help restore the roller to working condition and I would be pleased to hear from anyone who may be able to help further in this direction.

Derek Rayner, Chairman, Friends of Pudsey Roller, Beagle Ridge Drive, Acomb, York