I AM glad to hear about the decision of the Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu, to go vegan for Lent. It shows commitment and compassion.

I became vegan for Lent last year and have kept it up because I really liked it, and because I had discovered lots of foods I hadn't previously gone in for much.

I agree with the Archbishop that adopting a more ethical diet is a straightforward way for a member of our Western society to take a step away from powerless consumerism.

When you are an omnivore, you just buy things when you fancy them (well, there is something to be said for that!) but when you are a vegan you have to read lots of labels. Suddenly, you realise that not only some of your previous favourite products include milk solids - they also include all kinds of additives that you may never even have heard of. So you read up on veganism and find out about the origins of many common food additives and things like that. Not only might this turn your stomach; it will also make you a much more savvy consumer.

So all in all I think this is a very appropriate way to interpret religious fasting in the modern day. I say good luck, Dr Sentamu.

Helgi Clayton McClure, aged 13 Nunnery Lane, York