PETE Magill has the right to disagree with the honours system (Straight Talking, June 29) but I do not think that he has the right to denigrate those whose MBE is their reward - not for 'boot-licking, grovelling nor forelock-tugging' but for lives of dedicated service, often to the neediest in our society.

I know of only two - one who had her award for a lifetime of nursing the sick and suffering, and the other for turning out at all hours in all weathers for 30 years to keep the likes of Mr Magill supplied with drinking water. He would probably dump Mr Magill on the seat of his pants if he had the temerity to express his opinions face to face.

I am surprised and shocked that you allowed him to use such dreadful language in your newspaper.

As a former mariner I fully understand the adjective he uses to describe the MBE ('poxy') and suggest that it would be more fairly applied to his article.

And if shooting chavs, whatever they may be, is his life's ambition, then God help him, although I doubt if he believes in God either.

As for the question who would want an MBE anyway?

I would.

Clive Stannard

Great Sankey