I WAS delighted to read the Mike Pryce feature (Evening News, June 26). He is obviously a country lad, after my own heart.

It is about time that some of our local words and sayings are acknowledged. No computer jargon for us.

I use the word "yampy" regularly. On our side of the river, this would mean that someone would be slightly mad, airy-fairy, or, in other words a step nearer to Powick than most.

Apparently there was a very likeable Army Officer in the Worcestershire Regiment called "Yampy Yates." He did not object to the title, and it was persons such as he who helped to win the war, due to his unusual methods, which many officers would have rejected.

In years to come, today's youth will wake up and see what characters they have missed. We had the opportunity of speaking at length with grandparents, and great-grandparents, and so history is retained.

Today, children are so under pressure and obsessed by the square screen that they miss out on the real-life stories.

I thank my lucky stars that I was born when childhood could be enjoyed without pressure.

RACHEL EVANS,

Kempsey.