AS a first generation vinyl junkie, I am delighted to see that sales last year were the best for 25 years, but it is only right that we should point out to the new generation that there are vital rules which must be adhered to.

Most of these relate to care of vinyl and equipment, such as careful handling so as to avoid the grooves, keeping records clean and dust free, and using good quality needles.

The number one rule though, first and foremost, is NEVER, EVER lend out your beloved vinyl to your mates, because you can be absolutely sure that a massive row will erupt when said item comes back bearing a coffee stain on the beautiful cover, is missing the inner cover, and horror of all horrors, is so scratched that it is virtually unplayable.

How did they inflict so many scratches unless they actually tried their best to do so?

This must be one of life’s great unanswered questions.

Geoff Carr, Aycliffe Village