I am astonished and deeply upset by the decision of the British Red Cross to ban traditional Christian images of Christmas in their cards and shops.

I have been a staunch supporter of the Red Cross for most of my life and have stood in the streets collecting money for the charity on many occasions.

However, after hearing this news, I shall not be doing so again. I have never been frightened to stand up for what I believe is right and I shall do so on this occasion.

This act is typical of the kind of insidious political correctness that infects so much of today's society.

It will have the opposite effect to the one intended by making people angry that they cannot be proud of being a Christian at Christmas.

It will set back the cause of religious tolerance, not enhance it.

A Muslim friend of mine laughed when he read this. His religion isn't offended by Christian images, just as I wouldn't be offended by religious icons or displays from other faiths.

The Red Cross attempts to justify its actions by saying it has to maintain political and religious neutrality due to its work in war zones.

However, to suggest that a volunteer who displays an advent calendar in one of the Red Cross charity shops is in some way undermining the neutrality of the medical support given to casualties in war zones is both ridiculous and insulting.

All those involved in the upper echelons of the British Red Cross management should be ashamed.

Councillor Peter Willows Brighton and Hove City Council Five alive What is the matter with Channel Five?

After years of trying to get a transmitter to broadcast its channel to the south coast, it finally manages it but doesn't tell anyone.

I was tuning in my new TV the other day and there it was in all its glory. I get The Argus most days and did see an advert about "testing the signal" but nowhere did it say a start date etc.

Why were there no posters in the city and full-page ads in The Argus and sister publication The Leader?

This must be the best kept secret in Brighton and Hove.

For anyone who is not "in the know", Five broadcasts on UHF TV Channel 35 from the Brighton Whitehawk Hill transmitter, which serves the majority of Brighton and Hove, Shoreham and Worthing.

-Spencer Palmer, Patcham