RECENTLY I went to my local post office to send a small parcel to my very seriously ill son who lives in Germany.

I was asked by the counter clerk what was in the parcel and, when I objected to this, was told it would not be accepted for posting.

Having travelled many times by air and knowing the restrictions of what can go on an aeroplane I told her what was in the parcel and it was duly posted.

This then begs the question, short of opening the parcel, how did she know if I was telling the truth about the contents?

I understand that all packages are examined by X-ray at the airport, therefore, what fool of an official decided that Post Office counter staff should be appointed security guards?

In these troubled times it behoves us all to be aware and watchful of security, but while illegal immigrants can swarm into our country undetected and young men can travel to Pakistan to train as terrorists it makes the refusal to post a gift from an elderly mother to her very ill child look a bit ridiculous.

PA Aspinall, Crook.