NOW that the Christmas season is upon us, going to town shopping is taking your life in your hands.

First, there are the pram and trolley pushers who seem determined to crack the ankles of anybody who gets in their way.

Then, there are the shoppers with the disposition rabid bull terriers, if also you get in their way.

But at Christmas, let us not forget the homeless, those in hospital and anyone else in distress and not looking forward to Christmas.

Lastly, people considering buying their children pets for Christmas: unless they are prepared to care for them for their lifetime, they should buy a cuddly toy instead. It doesn't matter if that is discarded when whoever owns it gets fed up with it.

R CUTTING (Mr), Summerville Walk, Blackburn.