RE Hugh Pender’s letter about media priorities (HAS, March 1). War in Afghanistan must be deeply distressing for their people as well as for our Armed Forces and their relatives.

In fact, there is not a lot of good news at all with natural disasters, terrorism and the usual politics sideshow.

So, if the UK pulls out a gold medal in a sporting event – as in the case of Amy Williams, winner of the women’s skeleton event at the recent Winter Olympic Games – isn’t that something to be happy about?

Well done, Amy. Never mind the cost. It can’t compare with banking’s fat cat bonuses and energy company profits or even supermarket profits.

Tim Glanvill, Danby Wiske, Northallerton.