I APPRECIATE the gallantry of the Rev Peter Hatton in his defence of Ms Johnson, and also his sentiments duly expressed but I feel he has dismissed druids far too lightly.

In ancient Celtic society, the druids held positions of power and wisdom that earned great respect from the people. They were philosophers, teachers and competent astrologers.

They founded schools of advanced learning which were eventually taken over by the Christians. As Christian influence gained ground, many druids were converted, but they still retained their distinctive hairstyle and mode of dress, but followed Christian rituals.

They were great ecologists and held nature in respect, and as early Celtic Christians they taught a spirituality based on the natural creation around them. They saw God in everything.

They had held the oak tree in great respect, and in old Celtic strongholds such as rural Ireland, holy wells and mountains abound, now with the names of Christian saints. Indeed, St Columba is reported to have described Christ as his druid.

So there it is, druids were not so bad after all. But modern clergy should be on the alert - there might be one lurking near the family tree.

Donald Jay,

Winslow Avenue,

Droitwich Spa.