DAVID Quarrie's letter, recalling how stupidly sentimental we all are (October 26), prompted me to write in agreement.

All the pathetic Diana-hype referred to in the letter did leave me with a greatly lessened opinion of the British public and media.

I had just finished my reply when I turned on the news and heard of the death of John Peel.

Suddenly it's not funny any more, and my letter sounded flippant and churlish.

I remember feeling just like this when Spike Milligan died and can recall, as a seven-year-old, hearing of the death of my idol, Jim Clark (the greatest British racing driver) and being unable to go to school for three days.

Friends recall feeling the same about John Lennon, Joe Strummer and others.

So does that mean I'm stupidly sentimental then?

Have I given in to media hype?

Or am I just human?

Here's to you, Peelie!

Andy Scaife,

Suffolk House,

Lowther Terrace,

York.

Updated: 08:38 Saturday, October 30, 2004