STEPHEN Lewis' article on "Time to be positive about age" says it all (April 28).

This country owes a great deal to the over-50s who get involved in the community and give their time to many of the organisations that need volunteers.

I would not like to put a figure on how much this would cost if we had to pay for the services through tax. It may run to millions.

Keith Chapman,

Custance Walk,

St Benedict Road,

Nunnery Lane, York.

Updated: 10:12 Monday, May 02, 2005