MAY I reply to Mr Evans, of Deane, regarding his Labour-inspired attack on the Royal Family.

First of all, Mr Evans, have you a family, and are they perfect and, like the Royal Family, earn the money you scathingly hint they receive for being lay-abouts?

Do you realise that the Civil List originates from lands surrendered by the Crown in exchange for an income, and also that Her Majesty is still working at 76 years of age, as is the Duke of Edinburgh, who will be 82 in June?

The oldest member of the "Family" is the Princess Alice, Duchess of Gloucester -- 101 last Christmas and whose family care for her at home, an example to many people who can only think of dumping their elderly parents.

I recommend Mr Evans to carry out a full day of appointments, as this family often does, after an overnight journey, and greet people with a welcome smile. It is not easy. I have done it. Overnight to Scotland, visit a glass factory, back to the hotel, then three hours to watch a play in the evening.

That is only one item. I have done similar days, but go to sleep at night -- not to clubs like the teenagers nowadays. God save the Queen.

Dorothy B Waters

Winifred Road

Farnworth