I AM a 76-year-old pensioner and some months ago I visited York. Before my visit was over I had 50 good reasons to vow never to come back.

Some sneak thief had stolen my housekeeping purse from my handbag containing more than £50, leaving me without even my bus fare to get back to Rufforth.

I recently visited York again and, while walking across Parliament Street, I was disgusted at the number of beggars and yobs. Alcoholics were sitting on the steps of the toilets. The whole scene was disgusting and depressing.

This made the scenes on the recent remembrance service on BBC television very heart-warming and reassuring to see so many lovely young people taking part and showing dignity and respect. They restored my faith in human nature.

Mrs C P Hogarth,

Bradley Crescent, Rufforth.

Updated: 11:10 Thursday, November 20, 2003