THOUGH I think that the excellent Octagon Theatre deserves any awards it can get ('Octagon Staff Take Centre Stage' Bolton News, October 3), it really should be careful what awards it accepts.

For many years, the tobacco companies gave money to good causes, in order to make themselves appear ethically responsible. I believe they can no longer do this, but it appears that arms companies are trying to imitate them.

No organisation, if they wish to retain any integrity should accept an award from MBDA Missiles, who have decided to sponsor and fund a Customer Excellence Award as an obvious PR Job.

We don't want to get back to the days when a type of cigarette could fund tennis tournaments.

Malcolm Pittock

St James Ave

Bolton