WE have very nearly reached the 20th anniversary (August 31, 1997) of the death of Diana, Princess of Wales, often referred to as The People’s Princess.

There is an excellent charity organisation running a scheme known as The Diana Awards, which sets out to inspire and acknowledge the good work and deeds done by young people in spheres such as anti-bullying campaigns, fundraising, volunteer time given to the sick, elderly, under-privileged, mentally ill, abused and lonely, courageous acts carried out by any child in the most testing of arenas.

All this is so good, makes a lovely story and was so typical of how Diana used to spend so much of her short life involving kindness, compassion and service.

Is there not a way that older people could equally contribute?

We hear, see, read so much about our world that is awful, sad, upsetting, grim, hopeless, shoddy and mean, because regrettably bad news sells.

What many people tend to forget is that there are far more nice, decent, considerate folk, than bad, evil types, but on the whole they go completely unreported.

Today’s society makes it easy to be selfish, but if we all tried that bit harder to be helpful, patient, considerate, over little as well as large issues, we would all be much happier, much more content, and feel overall so much better.

It would be wonderful if the media could find more time to unearth the good and lovely people, rather than the rotten apples, who so damage the big barrel.

David Quarrie, Lynden Way, Holgate, York