THE Northern Echo’s editorial welcomed the fact that the Queen’s first grandchild regardless of sex will be a successor to the throne (Echo, May 23).

How can replacing sexism with ageism be a step forward?

Both are illegal and, as the third child in my family, I would feel wronged if my parents had showed favouritism to any of us.

We should wait and see who is the fittest before making a choice. What happens if the first is a total fool?

Tom Cooper, Durham City.