RECENTLY we could not resist the temptation to at least see and smell the heather on the North York Moors despite the foot and mouth restrictions.

All the paths were closed and notices asked us not to stop or leave the roads which we were careful to observe.

On the moors near Castleton we were astonished to see a line of beaters with sheep nearby driving the grouse towards the shooters.

It may be that they were all carrying their own supply of disinfectant, a precaution not suggested for other visitors to the moors. Or is it simply that grouse shooting confers its own immunity from spreading the infection?

Reverend Peter HF Duncan,

Windsor Drive,

Haxby, York.

Updated: 10:39 Wednesday, August 29, 2001