RE the death of Councillor John Armstrong (Echo, Feb 20). John used to call at my parents' house in the 1950s on his insurance round and spent hours talking politics with my father.

Looking back, John must have been in his late 20s-early 30s during this period, and he had an inordinate grasp of current affairs which would have baffled most men of twice his age.

As a boy I remember him as a giant of a man who, with his easy, convincing way, could have sold ice cream to the Eskimos, and I learned much, as children do, listening to the antics of adults.

John was a big man in character and calibre who always had time for people and their individual problems, giving without seeking reward. I sought his advice over the years, acted on it and invariably gained. John was ace - Harold Mackenley, Fellhouses, Cockfield, Bishop Auckland, Co Durham.