THE New Year’s Honours list makes one wonder how on earth the panel, or adjudicators, reach their conclusions as to who receives these awards; not unlike the lottery, when the punters' money is distributed, in some cases, to extreme organisations instead of to worthy causes.

In the past, these awards were restricted to people for long service and good conduct and for services rendered over and above the call of duty, which also included charitable organisations.

I have no argument with those such as Alan Maynard, the York Hospital chairman, and others in the same mould.

However, with some other recent awards, such as those to some of our Olympic high achievers, who with respect are only in their infancy and will no doubt get financial spin-offs for their efforts, can one honestly say they fall in the same category as the long-term candidates? I say, no.

The system needs an overhaul before it becomes a mockery, and it should revert back to what it was originally intended for.

Kenneth Bowker, Vesper Walk, Huntington, York.