Sir, - We have all seen the horrifying television pictures of the school siege in Beslan and the events that unfolded in the small Russian town will undoubtedly have distressed many people.

However, we mustn't underestimate the effect such scenes can have on our children and young people and, as a charity providing help and support to parents and carers, we have put together a number of pointers which they may find useful both in getting discussions started and in dealing with tricky questions:

* Find out what your child already knows. Your main instinct will probably be to try to protect them, but you may find that they know more than you think. Encourage them to ask questions, and find out what they are worried about. In this way you will avoid frightening them by raising an issue they may not have considered.

* Try not to alarm your children and overload them with too much information. Ensure any information you do give them is age-appropriate; younger children will be thinking about the conflict in much simpler terms than older children.

* Try to contain your own anxiety. Your children will be taking leads from you, and will pick up on any fears you are displaying. If you are feeling anxious, talk to a friend or relative, or call Parentline Plus on 0808 800 2222. Being able to discuss your fears with another adult may make them seem more manageable.

* Children may assume that any conflict will put them directly in danger. Reassure them that this is highly unlikely. If they ask about the risk of terrorist attack, be honest. Say that this is a risk, but that their chances of being involved, even if an attack does occur, are minimal.

* If your child asks you a question you can't answer, don't be afraid to say you don't know. It is better to admit you can't control outside events anymore than they can rather than to give false reassurances which may be reinterpreted as lies at a later date.

JAN FRY

Director of external

relations,

Parentline Plus.

Highgate Studios,

53-79 Highgate Road,

Kentish Town,

London.

Trouble ahead

Sir, - Pressures from two different directions are combining to paint an alarming picture for the road transport industry in 2005.

The application of the Working Time Directive to transport in March will, as confirmed by the Government's own figures, cost over £1bn and a loss of productivity of almost 10pc. These operational and cost problems are now compounded by the major increases we have seen in world oil prices. Since January the cost of fuel for a maximum weight 44 tonne articulated lorry has risen by almost £1,900 to a massive £29,225 per year. And there is clearly more pain to come as the higher prices filter through.

Our economy and our consumer comfort is all dependant on an efficient and economic road transport industry and we are fortunate that UK expertise in this area is a world leader. But, given that if you've got it then it has almost certainly been on a truck, for 2005 we must all prepare for the prospect of the price of moving goods to increase.

Stephen Kelly

North West Regional Policy Manager,

Freight Transport Association,

Leeds.

Many thanks

Sir, - As Mayor of Northallerton and the current chairman of the carnival committee, I write to express my grateful thanks to the members of the committee for their help and commitment which made the Northallerton Charity Carnival on bank holiday Monday such a success this year.

The main purpose of the carnival is to provide a day of fun and entertainment while raising funds for local charities. I feel that all these objectives were well and truly met this year and I would like to thank the people of Northallerton and the surrounding area for supporting the carnival. All the local charities were well represented and did a great deal to make a successful day for all concerned.

We were able to retain some old favourites for the event and mixed with some new attractions such as Planet Dance and the popular sumo kangaroos, it proved to be a good combination. However, there are several special words of thanks, and these are to the carnival prince and princess, Northallerton Silver Band, Northallerton Local Radio for the use of their PA system and, of course, to "Moose" Evans and Tim Burn for their commentary, to Beto Leisure for the kangaroo suits and to Northallerton Lioness Club for providing refreshments and, of course, to all sponsors, without whom we would not be able to continue.

I would particularly like to thank the local Air Training Cadets for their help, which proved invaluable throughout the day. They were a credit to their organisation and to the town of Northallerton. Well done.

Finally, I would like to say that it is our intention to carry on with the carnival and to make it bigger and better next year. Watch this space, but any new help would be appreciated.

TONY HALL

Mayor of Northallerton,

Town hall,

Northallerton

Bags of help?

Sir, - As is usual for a holiday weekend recently, the collecting of refuse was put back one day.

My rubbish was put out on the correct day along with garden rubbish. Yes, the rubbish was collected, but I was not left any bags for household rubbish.

When I rang Hambleton Council, the clerk did not know why I had been left without bags. The girl suggested, could I not go down and collect some? I am elderly and do not have my own transport. The green garden bags already cost 90p: am I supposed to take a taxi to pick up the black bags?

I am still waiting for black bags, and hope that this week they will leave me extra. I did ask the clerk, why should I go to collect rubbish bags, when someone is being paid to do this job.

MRS F W BENNETT

Oak Grove,

Northallerton