I RECENTLY received a charity leaflet asking for donations for 'Help the Aged'.

It was a good advertisement but it made me wonder just how much of any donation 'the aged' would actually receive - and that set me thinking.

If your parents or an elderly relative asked you to donate one per cent of your weekly wage or your salary to help them, would you do it? Most people would, of course, say yes.

That is why I am asking for support for an appeal I intend to make to the Government.

My idea is that upon reaching the pension age, all people should be allowed to live relatively bill free - meaning no heating bills, no council tax, no water rates etc - so that the pension they receive actually allows them to enjoy their retirement.

The money to pay for this would come from ordinary folk, people like you and me, who would be prepared to give up a small sum from their weekly income to support the elderly.

I am not seeking donations now but want to see if there is enough support in principle for the idea for me to lobby the Government. For don't forget, if the Government agrees - a long shot I know - it will mean a bill free retirement for us all.

The pension may only be around £80 per week, but wouldn't it be good to know that you could spend that £80 as you like.

Mrs M Tyers, Riverdale Cottage. Holme Lane, Brookhouse.