BLOOD DONORS: I'm sure that some of the Echo's readers have thought about donating blood, but still have their doubts.

I have given blood and plasma for many years, and have collected the bronze, silver, gold badges, a crystal plate and a 50th anniversary Wedgwood plate for my 100th donation some years ago. I didn't donate for these awards, but to give something money can't buy in this country - blood.

I first gave blood in 1969 as an apprentice in an engineering works, where the National Blood Transfusion Service visited twice each year, and along with many other employees enjoyed a cup of tea and a biscuit before returning to work, with no after effects.

Since that time I have made 128 donations of blood and plasma, still with no after effects, and have pestered and persuaded others to donate blood over the years.

Fortunately, I have not had the need of a transfusion myself, but know of many who have, some of whom would not be alive today without 20 minutes of someone else's time.

That's all it takes - 20 minutes to make a donation, which could save someone's life.

Donating blood doesn't hurt, new equipment is used for every donation, and those taking your blood are trained professionals.

Come along to the next session in your town, and make a donation. You don't have to donate again if you decide its not for you, and at least that one donation will help someone. - Alan Ellwood, Shildon.

TERRORISM

BY declaring war on terror, we have fallen into a trap. We have made criminals into warriors, and the arch-criminal, Osama bin Laden, into a hero for any Muslim with a grievance. Violence escalates on both sides, and human rights are further eroded.

Al Qaida demands an end to Western interference in Arab affairs, particularly in Palestine, and the release of the Guantanamo prisoners. While most Muslims emphatically reject the methods of terrorism, many share these objectives to some extent.

Of course, we cannot negotiate with terrorists, but we can reach out to those who cry out for justice, and show them that while al Qaida cannot help them, we can. Let us bring the Guantanamo prisoners to trial, publicly exposing the guilty for what they are, release the innocent and persuade the Israelis to allow the creation of a viable Palestinian state.

Many terrorists will claim victory, while others will not, because their aim is not justice for Palestine, but the annihilation of the state of Israel. But most Muslims - reasonable and peaceful people - will be satisfied. The terrorists would lose support, their supply of recruits would dry up.

This is not appeasement. We do not make peace with these murderers. First, we disempower them, then we hunt them down. - Pete Winstanley, Durham.

WHEN I lived in Southern Africa we had people blowing aeroplanes out of the sky, railway stations bombed on a regular basis and petrol bombs thrown through bedroom windows as people slept.

These people were not called terrorists by the western world but freedom fighters. Once idealists saw that they could get away with murder and destruction then they all climbed on the bandwagon and now we are beginning to reap what we have sown.

Soon the do-gooders of this world are going to have to wake up and realise that these people will never give up until they have achieved their aims as was proved in Southern Africa. - Jim Rishworth, Darlington.

REGIONAL GOVERNMENT

IT is clear from T Kelly's contribution to the subject of the proposed Regional Assembly (HAS, Mar 19) that the "no" lobby has nothing constructive to offer to the debate except scare stories.

In my previous letter, I tried to convey the message that both sides must engage constructively and try to convince open minded individuals that their argument is soundly based and in the best interests of the region.

Sadly, it seems that only the "yes" group seems willing to try this approach. The other side is relying upon wildly exaggerated claims based on numbers plucked out of the air and a depressingly predictable knee-jerk reaction to the thought that North-Easterners might actually be capable of controlling their own affairs.

So, for the third time, might I ask those who are against the assembly to produce a well-thought out alternative that will give us a deal at least as good as that enjoyed by our cousins over the border and release us from Westminster where we clearly have no friends. - DW Lacey, Durham.

PEOPLE like T Kelly have a very negative attitude.(HAS, Mar 19).

No mention of how we are going to deal with the growing North-South divide in health, unemployment and educational achievement, nor how we are going to deal with injustices such as the Barnett Formula.

I presume he blames the councils for all this. He obviously doesn't know much about them, and presumably bases his evidence on some personal bad experience. There are some poor performing councils in the North-East, but many have been rated very well in the recent Government inspection (Comprehensive Performance Assessment) and measures are being taken to deal with those who didn't do so well, mainly by the councils themselves.

No, the problem with North-East councils is lack of capacity. If we are going to compete within the UK for more resources and influence then we have to deal with the big beasts such as London, Wales, Scotland and big cities like Birmingham and Manchester.

All of these have bigger populations than the entire North-East, which totals two and a half million for the whole region. We have simply got to get together to get anywhere. That is what the campaign for an assembly is all about.

As for comments about the waste and confusion involved with changing local government in Durham and Northumberland, does he get out much? Ask the average voter if they understand the difference between what the county and the districts do. A single tier system would be easier to understand, more efficient, and, main point, cheaper. - David Taylor-Gooby, Peterlee.