ON August 24 last, I wrote to you asking if you could help me trace my former National Service friend, Derek Langston, formerly of Salford Priors, and long since believed to be living in Canada.

I am now pleased to be able to tell you that within hours of whatever you put in your paper was published, Derek's sister-in-law wrote to me from Middle Littleton to advise me that Derek had long since returned to this country and was living in Stoke-on-Trent just over half an hour's car drive from where I live!

I received her letter on October 2 and went to see Derek the following day. It turned out to be an emotional reunion, although the joy of re-establishing contact was tempered by the fact that Derek is in poor health and currently receiving hospice care.

Anyway, the important thing is that the help you gave me achieved its object and brought two ex-service friends together once again. I am very grateful for that help, and would like to extend my thanks to you for it.

J H TURNER, Bradley Street, Derby.