THERE was an interesting article about Dr Colin Herron, managing director of Zero Carbon Futures (ZCF), who at the relatively mature age of 49 had completed a Masters degree in manufacturing techniques (Meet the Boss, Echo, Dec 6).

Moreover, he’d achieved this following a conventional engineering apprenticeship and day release to college. He’d also had 17 years’ work experience at Nissan.

Dr Herron and similarly qualified engineers are the very people our Government should value. Our European neighbours, especially the Germans, have done so for a long time.

His route to the top follows a similar path to that of many skilled workers in the 1950s and 1960s and perhaps this will send a message to a far-sighted government (when next we get one).

My admiration for Dr Herron increased when he was asked to name his ideal guests for a dinner. Billy Connolly, Les Dawson, Winston Churchill and John Prescott would certainly ensure lively dinner conversation, followed by a singsong around the piano with Les Dawson tickling the ivories and the whole evening rounded of by a punch-up between Winnie and Two Jags.

VJ Connor, Bishop Auckland