MAdam, I am writing in response to the letter from Mr Mantle from last week's edition, which I couldn't believe that I was reading in this day and age.

I wish to make him aware of the following point. As he states, reference tattooing of people, 'we're always understanding of sailors having tattoos and this being done for a personal reason', this also applies to women having tattoos. My own tattoo represents my three children and it is extremely personal to me, and them, and what I do with my body is my choice.

Thankfully the world and society have moved on from stone age views that you aired in your letter, which I personally felt were offensive and sexist, not only to women with tattoos, but to women as a whole.

Also if Mr Mantle finds it so offensive to observe women with tattoos at a swimming pool then maybe he should take himself to a place where he can observe the northern lights and stay there, and keep his offensive remarks to himself.

Katie Fowler, Ross