I was so sorry to read that Barbara Sharp is finishing as home manager at the York Cats Protection Shelter because she is 60 ('Cat lover out in the cold after ten years', Evening Press, September 1).

I could understand it if Barbara were 70 plus or in bad health. Having given ten years to the Cats Protection League, working tirelessly as she has, it all seems a bit harsh.

Perhaps in time the Cats Protection League will realise what a "gem" they have let slip through their fingers.

EM Berridge.

Kings Acre,

York.

...Having just read your article concerning Barbara Sharp, I feel I should write to acknowledge what a tremendous job she has done.

I am sure I speak for anyone who has visited the new site in Huntington when I say it is absolutely first class and all thanks to the hard work of Barbara and her volunteers.

I am amazed that the CPL can not re-new her contract owing to her age and wonder if enough animal lovers express their concern directly to the CPL then they may retract this? It is a disgrace.

In the present day of equal rights and such like I am surprised that this is actually deemed 'correct'?

Mrs K Dunn,

Forge Close,

Huntington, York.

Updated: 10:43 Tuesday, September 04, 2001