I COULD not agree more with Mr Brian Derbyshire on his letter, “Litter Lessons for Pupils”.

I think we can see a pattern in a section of the generations born from 1980 onwards that have scant regard whatsoever for common decency or moral standards in today’s society.

They then pass on these standards either by actual teaching or by their children following by example.

They, and the generation following, are the fruits of the Labour Party letting loose the do-gooders into our society.

They tell the teachers they cannot smack a child for being naughty, disruptive or violent to other pupils or teachers. These same do-gooders tell parents that they cannot smack their children for doing wrong.

These children learn to play the game by the rules that stop normal people from being able to do anything about their attitudes. Thanks to the do-gooders, they know they cannot be smacked nor even handled by an adult when they do something wrong. They know that even the police have to be very careful when dealing with them, and they bring all these attitudes and values into everything they do and say.

So, Brian, your idea is great, but what happens when those children just decide to get up and walk out of the classes teaching them common decency and normal moral values? I, like you, was taught these things by my parents and by school.

I stand up to let a woman sit down. I put my litter in a bin, I try not to swear in front of a woman and I open doors for them.

I have had a few women throw these things back in my face but, on the whole, mature women recognise good manners, whereas the young do not.

So I wish you well in trying to educate the young of today — as the new wave would say.

Mr J O’Connor Redcar Road Little Lever