SO Blackburn's best kept secret is finally out -- who Blackburn Conservative Association have as their candidate for the next general election (LET, July 1).

Can we all now relax?

We are told their choice, John Cotton, is an accomplished yachtsman and a connoisseur of fine wines.

Perhaps the local Tory chairman misread his CV and thought he recognised a fellow aficionado in whining -- bypassing two local 'very good' candidates, your regular correspondents Sam Spence and Walt Meadows.

COUNCILLOR BILL TAYLOR (agent to Jack Straw MP), Blackburn Constituency Labour Party.