AS another parent who challenged WH Smith's earlier last year about its Playboy range, I firstly write to thank the women who took the time to raise the issue in the local press and, secondly, to express my sadness at seeing another parent's ( Helen Crompton, Evesham) sarcasm about their efforts in this regard in the Advertiser/Messenger on December 28.

In an attempt to challenge Mrs Crompton's irresponsible attitude, I would like to emphasise a few additional details on the issue which weren't highlighted in the original article.

Firstly whilst it is accepted that a range of items endorsed with the Playboy logo are available, what was different here was that unlike other retailers, WH Smith has been selling a range of Playboy endorsed items which, by its own admission, are aimed at young girls.

Secondly, in 2005, a number of national consumer groups, newspapers and parents' associations called upon the public to voice their concerns about the products and to demand their withdrawal from sale.

Thirdly, due to this pressure the Droitwich branch of WH Smith removed the products from its shelves. However they have subsequently put them back out, one suspects in the hope that in the Christmas rush it would have gone unchallenged.

Ms Crompton has missed the point, no one is saying that the range "is going to make children ask to see the latest hardcore film." The objection is to a high street retailer blatantly marketing and normalising pornographic symbols to young girls.

Concern is now arising amongst parents about several High Street retailers currently selling a range of thongs as underwear to girls under the age of ten. If people don't bother to challenge these cynical and underhand marketing ploys which attempt to make money by encouraging the early sexualisation of our children, one must question where it will end.

Mrs S Harris

Droitwich Spa