MAY I, sincerely thank those kind people who, on the Friday before Christmas, came to the aid of the poor old soul who tripped over a paving slab in Regent Street, breaking her left elbow and bruising her ribs.

Thanks to their concern, covering me with coats and phoning the ambulance, I arrived in the GWH in the space of, it seemed, little more than 10 minutes.

However, after all the inevitable delays, due to emergencies, I had the operation on Sunday when suddenly and unexpectedly, I was allowed home on Monday in time for Christmas where I've been slowly and rather painfully recovering.

My thanks go to those aforementioned humanitarians in the town, the skilled hospital staff and, especially, to all my thoughtful friends and neighbours for their gifts and many good wishes.

MARY LEE

The Wyncies

Bishopstone