AT the start of the new school year my grand-daughter and the rest of her class have been assessed for their suitability to be issued with a pen. Up until now they only qualified to use pencils – presumably this is the norm in today’s system.

My grand-daughter is, and always has been, above average in numeracy and literacy.

However, she and several others have failed to pass the test – although they are a step closer.

Should not more time be spent ensuring that all children reach a higher standard of reading and writing rather than what implement of ‘torture’ to use when they will be required to write endless essays.

I am writing this letter because The Northern Echo front page on September 8 was guilty, as well as the organisers of the Great North Run, of the same failing.

The crime is using the comma in a long number - as in 1,000,000 and 57,000. Apparently you should just have a gap according to Holy Family Primary School.

By the way my grand-daughter is nine years old, has used a pen since she was able to pick one up and so far has harmed no-one.

Michael Johnson, Darlington.