I HOPE we don't get long diatribes from newspapers about how poor the television programmes were over the festive season.

The soaps - although a bit depressing - gave us fine entertainment and some great acting with the death of Jamie coupled with the lovely wedding of poor souls Mo and Billy, both beautifully portrayed.

Emmerdale - the stalker revealed - was well done, and Coronation Street continues to entertain (apart from its depressing emphasis on illicit relationships).

The presentation of Goodbye Mr Chips wonderfully played by the great Martin Clunes was fun and the Hound Of The Baskervilles was another classic. There was plenty to suit all tastes.

We are fortunate in Britain, to have such entertainment in our own homes and at reasonable cost.

A vast array of films to suit all ages completed the menu.

Well done BBC and ITV.

Bryan R. Lawson,

Burton Fields Road,

Stamford Bridge,

York.

Updated: 11:10 Friday, January 03, 2003