HOW I agree with Julian Cole (The Press, July 12) that the food police are out in force. It will take someone to put it into perspective before I apply the nosebag containing some of those lentils made famous by Mike Bentley.

Until reading recent letters in The Press, I had thought indulging in the occasional milky drink a comforting, innocent pleasure.

After all, I told myself, I'm too elderly to be staggering about in high heels and city shorts on the Micklegate Run.

Anyway, I can stagger, fall down and slur beautifully for you any time without the benefits of alcohol.

Mr Lawson told me his rather naughty Granny Carmichael encouraged him in the decadent practice of making up his own baby milk, long after babyhood.

Now I feel almost directly responsible for Clarabelle's and her milking parlour chums' poor sore udders and infections. Far be it for any animal to suffer on my behalf.

I've thought of becoming a vegetarian, though I did enjoy last Thursday's sausage and mash. It's nearly enough (even though I think Gordon Brown will make a terrific Prime Minister) to convert me into becoming a Conservative.

Margaret Lawson, Marjorie Waite Court, York.