With reference to a story in the Sunday Telegraph on February 15.

I refer to the article about North Wiltshire MP James Gray, who queried why the prime minister's office pays for the cenotaph wreath on Remembrance Sunday, but was complaining after he was forced to pay for one out of his own pocket.

He said he couldn't claim it back out of expenses, despite having done so before, and being told it was a mistake and he shouldn't have been reimbursed.

He then went on to make the complaint there is an important principle involved here.

Yes, Mr Gray, there is.

You have a salary and expense package of more than £100,000 a year as an MP, with longer holidays than those who work full-time can only dream of.

You should be only too glad to pay this minor cost as a tribute to those who ensured democracy survived by their sacrifice.

You should as their representative, be only too glad to do so.

I don't see the numerous volunteers and collectors who give their free time, petrol, and car expenses whingeing about their expenses when collecting for this charity, often in the cold winter months.

Mr Gray, I can only hope the senior citizens' vote in Wiltshire, to whom this tribute means most to in terms of their wartime service, reward you as you deserve when the general election comes.

I hope that this will return you to the reality of working life, outside of the Westminster gravy train.

J Corbett

Chippenham