SIR - News of the passing of Chicken George Webb calls to mind other colourful Worcester characters from the past. Market Harry is one who springs to mind.

I remember him before he acquired that nickname and was known as "Wallsie" as he pedalled his tricycle selling Wall's Ice Cream. Then there was the newspaper seller outside Woolworths who came out with a quiet comment on the day's news.

I particularly remember, "Archbishop of Canterbury gets £5,000 a year for being good. I'm good for nothing paper!" Who could fail to be impressed by the Lady in White who with regal attire and bearing paraded sedately through the city streets?

Then there was "Speedy," careering down Rainbow Hill on his tall cycle wobbling from one side of the road to the other. Even in those days of less traffic his survival was perceived as a miracle. I particularly liked the overweight vegetable vendor with his pony and dray. When he sat on the front the corner sank to within inches of the road surface while the rear corner was high in the air. In a loud voice I remember him singing Somewhere in France, a popular song of the day. Worcester has had more than its share of colourful characters but many of us will be saddened to think that Chicken George is now consigned to take his place among a host of notables in our memory.

JOHN HINTON, Worcester.