Sir, - I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for the wonderful piece which Margaret Cave wrote (D&S, May 17) about our Cockerton Slimming World class.

More than 20 million people in the UK are overweight in the UK, seven million of them so overweight that it seriously damages their health, Recently we have had inquiries from would-be slimmers who have watched programmes like Fat Club and Fat Friends on the TV, asking if our classes are like that. We would hate to think that potential members may be-put off from receiving the help they need because of the misconceptions raised in these types of programmes. Knowing what it is like to have suffered from a weight problem themselves, our consultants know that being overweight can lead to a feeling of worthlessness, self-loathing and low self esteem.

With this in mind, we ensure that at Slimming World there is no humiliation, members' weight is never announced to anyone in class, and there is no pressure on anyone to lose weight quickly. Members choose their own target weight, they are not told what they should weigh according to their height. For example, a member's target may be to get back into a certain pair of trousers or a slinky dress - it is their choice. They will not be shouted at or made to feel stupid, we recognise that some weeks may not be as good as others and that by giving constant support and encouragement, targets will be reached in a positive and motivational way. No foods are forbidden, including chocolate, crisps and alcohol- Slimming World is about choice and learning to control your eating habits in a fun and happy environment, and shows members healthy eating which is easy to follow for life.

Can you imagine how much better off the National Health Service would be if there weren't so many overweight people In the world. So many health problems stem from obesity - heart disease, diabetes and blood pressure issues to name a few.

We already work with the National Diabetes Association (John Prescott has just been diagnosed with diabetes). If we can let more people know that we are here to help, without the need for depravation and with total confidentiality, we could help millions of people to a better life for themselves and those around them, and save the NHS and tax payers money too.

Life without weight problems would be marvellous - the food optimising plans at Slimming World have already helped thousands of people to change their lives.

If you would like details of any classes, please contact me on 01677 427639.

DENISE COLLINSON

Manager

Darlington & South Durham,

Slimming World.

Dale camps

Sir, - The connection of the "Leeds Pals" and Coisterdale (just west of Masham) is well-known but I learn that captured German officers were also housed in camps in the dale, in late 1919. Details of the camps, perhaps those formerly used by British troops, appear in the autobiography of U-boat captain Wer Furbringer (English translation, ISBN 0 85052 694 9). There were two camps for respectively 250 and 500 German officers.

Only two men managed to escape from this rough, hilly and treeless landscape, exposed to frequent and fierce winds. They filled their pockets with camp food before setting off and sleeping in the open, apparently had little difficulty in walking to Hull but there luck ran out and solitary confinement in camp followed.

The book also describes the shelling of Seaham in July 1916 by Furbringer's boat. He attacked the iron foundry, believing it to be a munitions factory, and his book has a touching dedication to two people his own brother killed in action on the western front and a young English woman killed in the U-boat attack on Seaham.

W A FORSTER

Wellington Mews,

Ripon.

Joyous occasion

Sir, - The funeral of Hilary Trenholme, one of your local news correspondents, was a joyous occasion and a real thanksgiving for her life with its abundant interests and her many personal gifts.

The Rev David Eyles, a former rector of West Tanfield, conducted an inspired service. The hymn singing was wholehearted, and a surprise item was a duet sung by Hilary's two sons, who accompanied themselves on guitar and tambourine.

David's address illustrated the very many ways in which she contributed to activities connected with family, farming, church, teaching, amateur drama, writing plays and stories, and anything to do with people - she was a friend and inspiration, and brought her sensitivity arid laughter to all.

Hilary fully justified her name (cheerfulness) and lived a truly Christian life.

This was a funeral to cherish.

JEAN WAGHORNE

Well,

Bedale