MAY I, on behalf of my members, reply to your article Jimmy is out in the Cold and the letter, Disgusted at Legion's Treatment of Disabled, published over the last two weeks.

1. The front page photo of a seemingly distressed Jimmy Jones caused great offence to Legion members, especially when you use the words 'barred from the concert room'.

Firstly, Jimmy is a much loved and respected member of our club, even to having his own reserved seat in the concert lounge.

Over the years Jim's condition has worsened and following some personal problems the club wrote to him and his family to see if his carer could accompany him to the club for health and safety reasons. This arrangement worked well for many months until recently when the carer's attendance was withdrawn (see family for reasons).

Jim was then left high and dry with no social carer.

On occasions volunteer carers have gone to Jim's house and taken him to the club where they stayed up to closing time and escorted him home.

On a more serious note it must be pointed out that the volunteers who help Jim cannot be held legally responsible for his welfare under insurance rules.

2. Let us now move on to the writer who hides behind 'name and address supplied'. This person is aware of all club rules regarding entry to the club and our policy on children who must vacate the premises by 18.30pm.

As for being able to walk in any time, does he not know that our door lady has just undergone major surgery and on occasions volunteers have manned the post. Perhaps this disgruntled person may like to apply for the door person's job (I think not).

J R Eskdale JP

President, Royal British Legion, Leyland