JOE Wellthorpe should do some research before complaining about pensioners (HAS, May 17).

My husband and I worked all our lives, paying our taxes when there wasn't any family credit or working tax credit and you did not get family allowance for your first child.

There weren't the private pension schemes and most company pensions started in the late Seventies.

The company my husband worked for went into liquidation in 1995, so we lost out there.

My husband died in August last year and I waited seven weeks before I was reinstated with my pension.

As I am under 65 years old I still have to pay income tax. The amount the Government states you have to live on is £124.05 per week. Through tax I fall below this.

I live away from the shops and the cheapest fare is £1.20, so I am very grateful for free bus fares. If it was not for this help I would not get anywhere. It would even be costly to go to the doctor.

So, come on, think of the pensioners who are struggling. One day you will retire and be meanstested also.

Christine Atkinson, Newton Aycliffe, Co Durham.

THAT was certainly some tirade against pensioners from Joe Wellthorpe (HAS, May 17) and it seems he has some magic formula that he himself will not reach pension age.

But just for the record, Mr Wellthorpe, us pensioners paid into the "system" not only with our National Insurance contributions but fought wars and worked blooming hard to get what we have today. We don't want charity either, like Christopher Wardell's food coupons suggestion (HAS, May 12), just a decent pension to give us a decent quality of life.

So don't begrudge us our game of bingo, cigarettes, or the odd pint. We are entitled to them obviously far more than Mr Wellthorpe. He isn't old enough.

Thelma Johnson, Darlington.

IF only some of us were more understanding about pensioners.

I refer to Joe Wellthorpe's letter (HAS, May 17). It's no good banging on about private pension plans.

Perhaps circumstances did not allow it or one has not been well informed.

There are always people better off than others. My view is that help should be given according to each financial situation.

So cool it, Joe. Think of those who really do struggle. Spare a thought for them.

Penny Glanvill, Danby Wiske, Northallerton, North Yorkshire.