STUART Hill bases his criticism of Solidarity, the union supporting the Shildon teacher suspended for alleged misuse of school equipment, on two-year-old figures.

Membership fees and numbers have grown since then.

I am not based in Spennymoor.

The union mailing address is. My standard class rail fare for official business is paid by the union. This is also our policy when any official travels to a grievance or disciplinary hearing to represent a member.

Wherever possible our officials stay in members' homes or cheap B&Bs.

Our right to represent members at such hearings does not come from recognition by the employer - it is a legal right. Reps have gone to Honda (UK), GNER and others to advise on accidents at work and working time regulations.

Stuart says we're promoted by the BNP. True! The BNP sees value in a union that'll defend its members' rights alongside all others and not discriminate against them. We also have the support of many others who belong to another party or none. Many are disenchanted with the policies and services offered by TUC affiliates. They now have a different choice and they alone will decide who provides better value for money.

Patrick Harrington, General Secretary, Spennymoor.

I'VE always prided myself on being understanding, tolerant, openminded, live and let live, love thy neighbour, etc. I've always regarded myself as one of nature's nice, peaceable chaps.

Recently, I've questioned my lifelong beliefs of 52 years.

With the arrival of the BNP's latest leaflet, I find myself agreeing 100 per cent with every subject aired, even Enoch Powell's rants are starting to ring true. I'm truly worried for my children's future.

Am I alone, or is it this country that's going down?

John Turnbull, Coundon.