LIKE many readers I have been enjoying the welcome return of the BBC's adaptation of Pride And Prejudice.

As a columnist on the Dewsbury Reporter during the 1950s, the works of Jane Austen were a constant source of inspiration; setting the parameters of excellence to which all writers should aspire.

Sadly, the same cannot be said of Helen Mead's mediocre offerings. My old editor, George, would have consigned such ineffable twaddle straight into the waste paper basket, or perhaps used them to light one of the large Cuban cigars of which he was so fond.

One can readily imagine what Miss Austen herself would have made of them.

Honoria Bullivant,

Crispin House,

Vicarage Lane, Naburn.

Updated: 11:12 Wednesday, July 03, 2002