While it is possible the children of today are made of sterner stuff than I was, I have more than a little sympathy with the writer of the letter to the owner of Gary the Garden Gargoyle (The Argus, June 18).

The memories are still strong, although getting on for 30 years must now have passed, of the fear and terror I felt when we walked through the lanes where a witch once hung above one of the shops.

I would keep my head down as, for some reason, I felt if it didn't see me looking, I would remain safe.

Am I alone in this apparently inherent uneasiness associated with witches, demons and devils?

I am sure this three-foot high statue is a thing of beauty to the mother if its creator - I am just pleased I don't have to live next door to it!

And yes, I really did hide behind the sofa when the Daleks where on the TV.

-Marion Tuck, Hove