Sir, - YHA members who remain faithful to its object (to help all, especially young people of limited means, to a greater knowledge, love and care of the countryside, particularly by providing hostels or other simple accommodation for them in their travels etc.) will be encouraged by the supportive comments of Coun John Blackie to resist peremptory closure of dales hostels.

To many of us this is not an unknown scenario, having before fought but failed to prevent loss of hostels at Dacre Banks, Ramsgill, Garsdale Head, to name but a few. Have any lessons been learned by either the members or management of YHA? It seems not, other than through the cash box - interest-free loans in the short-term might be appropriate.

However, the overall picture may now be slightly different and there could be hope for securing funds, support or sponsorship from many more sources that have or are emerging.

A recent direct appeal to YHA members brought in £250,000, but far more may be needed unless the association trustees are prepared to back away from turning our hostels into havens for the reasonably well-heeled. I believe, for example. that tea-making equipment in dormitories (or will they be re-styled bed-chambers?) is somewhat "over the top" and may have safety implications.

Everyone accepts that YHA has to improve facilities where it might be appropriate and justified, and all who have stayed at the former sanatorium which is Aysgarth Falls hostel will know that the shower installation drastically needs a re-vamp coupled with minor improvements elsewhere in this difficult building.

It has served the movement well and must continue to do so. I and others have personal memories of happy Christmases spent there - oh, that church clock chiming every quarter - and remember too its former wardens, such as Norman Young and Bob Gummerson, who were real characters and part of the community.

Current YHA staff are also important in the organisation and deserve to have an input when hostel futures are debated.

But times have changed. Youth hostelling appears to be no longer a movement or a network principally for members to travel or explore individually or in small groups, by foot or cycle. Now it is clusters of comfy hotel cottages or plush city hostels, open largely to meet the needs of non-members, increasingly with exclusive use.

YHA's new chairman Chris Boulton of Leeds, claimed recently that YHA is "able to help in the regeneration of our countryside economy". Closing hostels in the dales does not seem to be the best way of doing it. If you agree, please write to him or e-mail: chairmanR HEALEY

Howard Drive,

York.

Super school

Sir, - We were pleased to see a lovely photograph and article celebrating Marwood School's recent Ofsted result in last week's paper. The report commended the head teacher's excellent leadership, the very good teaching throughout the school, and the very good links with parents, which is in addition to the thriving PTFA also mentioned.

The use of such superlatives in Ofsted reports is rare, and when they occur it is the result of tremendous hard work and dedication from the staff. That I am pleased with this result is a great understatement. I am thrilled, delighted, absolutely chuffed to bits at such a good report. That schools are doing so well, despite all the constant changes and pressures they face today is good news. Finally, just one correction. We are actually a Church Infant School, and not a primary school. While we cannot see the children through to secondary level, we aim to give them the best start we possibly can in these vital early years.

Rev PAUL PEVERELL

Chairman of Govenors, Marwood School

Great Ayton.