THE city of York produces exceptional people from time to time who serve it tirelessly and with genuine passion. Jack Birch was such a person ("City stalwart who cared", April 16).

The last time I met him he told me had had written some memoirs. I hope we will be given the chance to read them.

Like so many, I found it a privilege to know him. The many good causes he supported so vigorously for so long makes his loss so much harder.

John Clout,

Acomb Road, York.

Updated: 10:16 Tuesday, April 22, 2003