Sir, - With reference to the letter "Name and shame" (D&S, Aug 16), I was the driver of the vehicle reg no P300GUY.

I wish to inform Mr Lamb, who appears to think that I revelled in driving my vehicle in such horrendous conditions without a care, causing bow waves as I went along, he was wrong.

I consider myself a careful, considerate and courteous driver who drives in a manner that road and weather conditions dictate. This day the weather was as stated, horrendous with excessive surface water on the road, and I drove in a manner and at a speed which I considered as safe but it did not prevent the vehicle causing a "bow wave" in my wake.

Can any vehicle other than a hovercraft drive in such conditions without causing turbulence to the surface water?

Four fire appliances were mentioned in Mr Lamb's letter. Did they not cause a "bow wave" travelling to their assigned emergencies, or did he choose to conveniently forget to mention this?

He appears to have gone to great lengths to identify company and privately owned vehicles as they negotiated the Great West Witton Water Challenge and recording their speeds at the same time. It would be interesting to know how he recorded the speed of the mentioned vehicle and if his methods would be acceptable in a court of law.

I take a very dim view of Mr Lamb placing the details of my private vehicle in the Press without my authority. If he feels so greatly aggrieved by the subject of his article, he should contact the appropriate authorities and lay any information or evidence before them and allow them to be the judge.

He should either "put up or shut up".

After all, its all water under the bridge.

P FAWCETT

West Witton Farm,

West Witton.

Sir, - In response to the letter, "Name and shame", (D&S, Aug 16) I agree with the writer, David Lamb, that vehicles do speed through the village of West Witton and through many other villages in the country.

Finding a suitable solution to the speeding problem will be difficult but in the meantime we have to rely on the individual driver/rider to adhere to the set speed limits and to drive with care and consideration to other road users.

However I feel that I must speak up on behalf of the owner of the vehicle registration number P300GUY who I have known for some considerable while. Mr Lamb does not know who was driving the vehicle at this particular time.

I have frequently been a passenger in this vehicle when it has been driven by its owner. On every occasion I have been impressed by how courteous and considerate the driver has been and how speed limits were respected.

I believe that the "bow wave" was not caused deliberately and that every precaution would have been taken by the driver not to cause any turbulence.

Although I sympathise with Mr Lamb and his wet predicament I believe he may have now opened a new can of worms through him naming and trying to shame the owners and users of the vehicles he detailed in his letter.

PETER BLAKELOCK

Chantry Garth,

West Witton.

Hunting myth

Sir, - A few more thoughts on hunting in response to Ms Ropner (D&S, Aug 16)

What currently happens to hounds when they become too old to hunt? I understand they are shot.

What of the excruciating torment suffered - possibly for long periods - by foxes when being pursued, before being so "humanely" killed by hounds? Even when "escaping", they often die from the stress imposed on the heart.

What would happen if a domestic pet was pursued for an extended period by skinheads and then "humanely" bitten to death by their dogs? What is the essential difference in cruelty between this and fox or stag hunting?

In Germany and Denmark, "hunters" have long ceased to chase foxes. They chase a rider on a horse who, while laying a trail, can respond to actions by the pack. Apparently, they enjoy it very much. Why not adopt this practice here or is it the death etc. that provides the excitement? And are they overrun with foxes?

It is a myth that the raison d'etre of hunting is pest control. Fewer than 20pc of foxes are killed in this way. Protection of cubs, importing from other areas, feeding etc. are often used to maintain the optimum number of foxes required for good sport.

Also, up to 50 pursuing one fox that may not be caught is an extremely inefficient way of controlling pests. Can the fraternity not be honest and admit that hunting is done for pleasure.

JOHN SEVERS

Hastings Avenue,

Durham City.

Caring hospital

Sir. - Having recently been a patient in the day surgical unit at the Friarage Hospital, Northallerton, I cannot praise the staff enough, for the kind attention I received in this case.

This was my second cataract operation, and, though the waiting was longer than I expected, after the first successful one, I still had the same efficient service and caring devotion.

I wish to thank the specialist doctors and nurses responsible. It is time their kind, gentle and dedicated commitments were brought to notice.

BETTY MANNING

Mill Hill Close,

Brompton.