THERE has recently been controversy regarding the awarding of honours.

In the past knighthoods were granted to people for selected acts in the service of the realm.

In contemporary times our Queen must surely cringe at times, having to perform this task on people so undeserving of any award their only attributes being fame, fortune and self gratification.

We have had the likes of Sir John Elton, Sir Alex Ferguson and now Sir Mick Jagger how idiotic.

All must surely have had tongue in cheek at the pronouncement.

It is obvious that this institution has become contaminated by government ministers (of either persuasion) in the selection of candidates for some devious political gain, with total exclusion of merit.

Unfortunately, like many well-founded institutions, it has become anachronistic and should be phased out before sinking into further absurdity.

GEORGE HUMPHREYS

Purton