I AM genuinely pleased that St Leonard's Hospice has extended and improved its magnificent care services. I'm also glad that patients and staff enjoyed their recent visit from Prince Andrew.

But what nonsense from the Evening Press (July 11) to suggest that Andrew had a packed and tiring day visiting North Yorkshire.

The Duke of York's published timetable shows he was brought by helicopter to Easingwold at 10.30am. He was then driven to two events in the village. He returned to the helicopter to be flown to the Great Yorkshire showground, Harrogate. No doubt during his three and three-quarter hours there he would have been provided with plenty of solid and fluid refreshments.

Andrew was then driven 20 miles to the Grand Opera House, York. Half an hour after his arrival there, he actually walked 100 yards to a museum in Tower Street!

From there his motorcade took him to St Leonard's Hospice, where he spent 45 minutes. Taken from the hospice by car at 5.40pm - end of engagements.

I would suggest that many people use up more energy and endure more stress during some days on holiday.

The Press described the Duke of York as the "Prince of Laughter". He can afford to laugh. He had a nice day out, with everything laid on, and it didn't cost him a penny!

Colin S Jeffrey,

East Mount Road, York.

Updated: 12:29 Monday, July 15, 2002