I CANNOT understand the mentality of the people in England towards clapped out singers like Tom Jones and Engelbert Humperdinck.

They deserted this country years ago and went to America to avoid paying taxes.

Now that America doesn’t want these has-beens any more they come back here and are welcomed with open arms.

We even bestow knighthoods on these Las Vegas rejects.

They should stay where they went all those years ago.

Peter Jefferies, Durham City.

TRAVELLER’S REST READING Mark Reid’s walk to Borrowdale last week (Echo, May 17) as someone who has walked that way frequently I was surprised that he did not mention the superb tea room at Watendlath.

Caffle House is open from Easter to October and is worth any walk with its wonderful home made flapjacks, rockcakes and huge pots of tea. It is definitely not to be missed.

Sally Hoddy, Durham.