With reference to Geoff Baker (letters, January 22) I would simply like to say that in almost 40 years of reporting I have made many friends among those bereaved either through accidents or crimes.

In at least one murder case I have become regarded as a friend by the families of both the victim and the aggressor.

He used the word "outrageous" in his inference than I had been insensitive. I stand entirely by my reputation and the knowledge that on many, many occasions, I have provided families with the opportunity to speak publicly of their love and respect for the ones they have lost.

As a local reporter I share with

families their good times and, sadly all too often, their bad times. I laugh with them and, I admit, on occasions I cry with them.

I don't know or really care what sort of journalist Mr Baker sets himself up to be. I am proud to be of that ilk that covers every aspect of local news and follow families from their birth to their final resting places. It is not unusual for me to be writing about the fourth generation of a particular family since I set out in this job.

I would much rather write a happy good news story than yet another of the all too frequent tragedy stories that come into our lives.

Nigel Kerton

Marlborough