IN his letter (August 25) Mr Cave challenged "anyone to define racism as distinct from nationalism or patriotism."

That is easy, for patriotism because being proud of your country is quite possible without being racist. A few examples might help Mr Cave.

When England played Turkey in the recent crucial European championship qualifier, I cheered the goal by Darius Vassell as much as the one by David Beckham. I was as pleased by Nasser Hussain's century at Trent Bridge in the Third Test as I was by Mark Butcher's (if only either could have scored a century in the Fourth Test).

In athletics, I wish Britain could find another Linford Christie as much as I wish we could find another Sally Gunnell.

Whenever someone represents England or Britain, I support them and I am pleased when they do well, whatever the colour of their skin. That's the difference between patriotism and racism.

It is harder to separate nationalism and racism, because too often nationalism slips into narrow minded racism. This racist nationalism expresses itself in hatred of and hostility to other countries and cultures.

As a patriot, you no more need to hate other people's countries to love your own than I need to hate other people's kids in order to love my daughter.

COUN DAVE HOLLINGS, Sudell Road, Darwen.