I have just read Sally Hall's moving and sensitive article on children deprived of their fathers at Christmas (The Argus, December 23).

The Argus was brought to me by a friend who is aware of my own difficulties in maintaining contact with my son.

The family courts are held in secret and, under this cloak of secrecy, appalling treatment is inflicted on fathers and children. On behalf of the hundreds of thousands of fathers in this country affected by the nightmare of the family courts, I extend my heartfelt thanks for this first-class example of investigative journalism.

-Barry Fry, St Thomas Street, Lymington, Hants