ONE of your recent correspondents in the on-going saga of Well churchyard and its resident sheep mentions the tidy state of West Tanfield churchyard (D&S Times, July 19). This is achieved with the help of a band of volunteers who each undertake to look after a section of it. For some, their contribution in time amounts to half an hour a week or so; for some it is a little longer, and for some once a fortnight. The results, however, are excellent. I believe the sheep were originally introduced at Well as no one could be found to look after what had become a jungle, and they do an excellent job. Perhaps if those who are unhappy with the arrangement spent as much time contributing as they do complaining there would be no need of the sheep.

Christopher Bourne-Arton, West Tanfield.