HAVING seen so many children who have been given bicycles for Christmas, I was caused to remember the first time my father took me out on a bicycle.

It was in 1948 and the first time I rode without his hand on the saddle was in Medgebury Road.

Sadly, I was not experienced enough to turn left over Princes Street bridge and was nearly run over by a horse and cart coming over the bridge.

Thankfully this is unlikely to be repeated in 2005.

J A BRETT

Basildon, Essex