Sir, Do I read correctly that Ms Colquhoun (Letters, September 13, Low flying jets shatter Lake District environment') feels it is no longer worth protesting at the noise of RAF jets passing overhead?

Yet she saw fit to write to the Gazette in order to bring her complaint to your readers, who are not in any position to do anything about it (unless Ms Colquhoun is hoping some readers might take up cudgels on her behalf, and contact Mr Parrini each time they are "attacked"?)

In that case, in order that the whole process remains balanced, I should urge all people who think the RAF are doing a fine job, under difficult conditions, and have to train somewhere, or if like me they simply admire the chance to see the planes (which we helped pay for) displaying overhead, to telephone Mr Parrini, and express their admiration.

I find noise from mobile telephones ringing, and train horns at crossings far more unnecessary and intrusive, and much more worthy of complaint!

In the meantime, if Ms Colquhoun feels the National Park Authority is about to sign to something which she thinks is selling them down the river, she should resign her membership in protest, and make way for somebody which the authority desperately needs somebody prepared to see both sides of the coin.

E.A. Marsh, Windermere...

n Sir, I believe that the noise caused, for a total of maybe 15 minutes per day, is a price well worth paying to ensure the pilots are properly trained, for their increasingly dangerous roles.

The Lake District is not a museum where everything has to be quiet, it is a vibrant active area.

I also think, in common with many people I meet on the fells, in town and in the pubs, the jets have a beauty of their own; looking down from Helvellyn on top of a Tornado was awesome. We British have a hard won reputation for tol-erance, maybe we should show it.

Rodger Woodroffe, Ambleside...

n Sir, I have some sympathy with Maureen Colquhoun's feelings, as expressed in her letter of September 13, in which she condemns low flying over the national park.

Living in Windermere, as I do, I also have to put up with the loud noise of jet aircraft on training flights.

What we must remember however is that low flying is part of the essential training necessary to keep our Royal Air Force as an effective fighting force able to defend us in the event of attack.

Although such an attack seems less likely, since 9/11, I am comforted by having such a first class defence unit continually maintained at operational readiness.

We must also bear in mind that low flying aircraft are enjoyed by many people.

This is evidenced by the thousands of people who come into the area specifically for Windermere's own annual Air Show and the beneficial economic effect this has on our tourist industry.

I know that it has been said many times before but let us also not forget the roll the RAF played in our defence in 1939/45.

Brian Jowett, Windermere...

n Sir, It is ironic that Ms Colquhoun's letter on low-flying should coincide with the 64th anniversary of Battle of Britain day.

Imagine where she and others like her would be if another band of low-flying heroes had been forbidden to practice.

I am very interested in planes and recently visited the RAF stand at Westmorland County Show.

Please RAF, fly over my house as low, fast, noisy and often as you can.

Luke Mason (aged 11), Endmoor.