After my views were published (Letters, January 15), a correspondent of BBC Southern Counties radio attacked my attitude as that of a bleeding-heart liberal.

I would like to know how people come to use such a generalised attack on someone who does not share their blinkered view on life.

For the record, I spent many years as a Scout leader. When spinal problems put an end to that, I served as chairman of a Scout group executive committee and was secretary of the parent-teacher association of my son's comprehensive school.

I am treasurer of the local branch of a railway preservation society and an active member of Service by Emergency Rider Volunteers (Serv), which means I am on call to collect emergency blood supplies for hospitals between 7pm and 6am. We make no charge for this service and meet all costs from our own pockets or from donations by sympathetic companies.

If this makes me a bleeding-heart liberal, I am proud to be one. At least I practise what I preach.

-M E Stroud, Haywards Road, Patcham