THERE were those who doubted the wisdom of sending troops into Sierra Leone. They questioned our national interest in intervening in a country tucked away in a corner of west Africa, thousands of miles from our shores.

They may change their view when they see the pictures we publish today.

They do not show an invasion force resented by the local population, the popular misconception of what a deployment overseas entails.

Instead, they show a incalculable gratitude for a humanitarian mission, which has established some sort of peace and normality in a country ravaged by civil war.

During their posting in Sierra Leone, members of the Second Battalion, the Light Infantry - many of them recruited from the North-East - have done outstanding service, in the finest tradition of Britain's armed forces.

Their military mission was strictly limited to train the government forces in Sierra Leone to ensure that the fragile peace could be maintained.

But they arrived to find an already impoverished country further devastated by years of conflict. Hardly a village they came across escaped the horrors of a brutal conflict.

Through the endeavours of these dedicated soldiers, a spirit of humanity has been restored to these shattered communities.

We ask you to support the Liberation Ministry, to ensure the essential task of re-building Sierra Leone can continue long after the last British soldier leaves for home.

BRINGING England's World Cup game against Albania to St James' Park was an unqualified success.

There was a sell-out crowd, a terrific atmosphere, a welcome boost for the local economy, and a victory to boot.

The concept of taking international games around the country is an attractive one. It puts football's biggest matches within easy reach of every football supporter in the country, not just those in the South-East.

And it raises the question of whether English football really needs a national stadium.

Perhaps the Government and the Football Association should question seriously the value of spending vast amounts of public money on re-developing Wembley.