SALTBURN BANK

AFTER reading Chris Lloyd's Saturday column (HAS, Sept 1) I thought he might be interested to know that, because of its shape, the Saltburn road bank he refers to - the one that has Teddy's Nook leading off it - is known locally as the "S" bank.

With its steep incline and winding turns, it is a difficult bank to negotiate, particularly for bus drivers.

When I first climbed the bank as a learner-driver, in 1957, I was advised by my instructor to engage first gear.

This was essential because of the need to slow down at corners. - LD Wilson, Guisborough, East Cleveland.

DRUGS MISNOMER

RE the letter headed "Lap Dancing" from Geoffrey Bulmer (HAS, Sept 4). I agree with almost everything he says, except the use of the phrase "recreational drugs" - such an innocent-sounding phrase for the most vile practice at the root of most evil today.

Journalists or the medical profession or whoever coined this misnomer to differentiate from those drugs with medical curative intent should outlaw the use of this "couplet" in print and in schools. - WT Taylor, Middlesbrough.

MANY THANKS

HAVING just spent more than 11 weeks in hospital I can't remember much about The James Cook University Hospital, in Middlesbrough. I was too ill.

But I would just like to say the Friarage Hospital, Northallerton, was full of dedicated staff and the food and care were first-class.

After that, I was moved to Lambert Hospital, Thirsk. The staff there were out of this world. The food was marvellous. Apart from being ill, it was just like staying in a five-star hotel. I would like to thank the excellent staff. - Geoffrey Court, Bedale, North Yorkshire.