Sir, – The Bilsdale Hunt in North Yorkshire lays claim to be the oldest established hunt in England.

See its website for details: www.bilsdalehunt.co.uk.

In its October 2009 newsletter – available on the website – it says: “We have pledged to help James Wharton win Stockton South from Labour. What does it take to achieve this … just turning up two or three times before June to either distribute leaflets or stuff envelopes. Our designated area is Ingleby Barwick, so we don’t even have to brave the darker parts of Stockton!”

The darker parts of Stockton?

Presumably it is referring to Yarm and Eaglescliffe.

A broken society indeed.

MARK LEE Linthorpe, Middlesbrough.