I am increasingly offended by the insulting treatment the pagan holy festival of Samhainm, or Hallowe'en, receives at this time of year.

It's a time for reaping nature's harvest, partying with friends and family and remembering loved ones who have passed on. So what does this have to do with all the nasty images of horror we see in the shops?

Were Christian festivals to be treated so disrespectfully by shopkeepers - perhaps with nailed up Jesus figures dripping fluorescent blood or the Virgin Mary in fishnets and with warts - there would be an outcry.

I also don't like seeing outdated, women-hating propaganda in these enlightened days, especially in Brighton and Hove, where a rich social diversity is claimed.

In Monday's Argus, Marina Baker, a beautiful and successful young witch pointed out that interest in witchcraft is growing.

She said being at one with the environment, finding a place in the community and setting an agenda by the sun, the moon and the stars explains the appeal of the Wiccan - meaning wise - way of life.

I hope we shall see the last of the degrading annual treatment of this holy time of Hallowe'en in our local shops and others will join me in a call for more respect for different cultures and religions.

-M. Pracy, St George's Road, Brighton