I SHOULD like to thank your paper and the people of York for the wonderful support and messages of condolence given to my family following the devastating loss of my dear nephew, L/Bdr Matthew Hatton.

My parents and brothers moved from Kent to York in 1972 after I had already left home, but I soon came to think of your beautiful city as home too.

Many of your readers may have been taught by my mother, Mrs Beryl Hatton, at Lowfield Secondary Modern School, Acomb (between 1973 and her retirement in 1983), but will not have realised that Matthew was her grandson.

Together with my late father, Norman, they also had a long association with St Olave’s Church in Marygate, before moving to Westow.

York appears to have taken Matthew to its heart and it is a great comfort to us that you, too, have acknowledged this wonderful young man, who was loved by his family and of whom we are so proud.

Stephenie Houghton, Upper Brockholes, Ogden.