IN reply to Nick Casterton regarding the naming of streets, (Letters, July 24), I also consider myself native to this land, even though humans are not indigenous to these isles; thus we are all immigrants in one way or another.

British culture is a very old cooking pot of many different cultures that have been integrating here for a long time - Celtic art, Arabic influence etc.

The Romans introduced feet and inches, the Anglo-Saxons introduced runes from continental Europe - some very similar to Hindu symbols - the patron saint of this land, St George, was a Roman from Libya and our number symbols originate from Arabic, to give but a few brief examples.

Our native culture still shines though today as it always has.

We still exchange gifts and decorate evergreen trees around Yule time and Easter is still celebrated to highlight just a glimpse of our rich Pagan heritage.

The council can only answer the charges put to it, however I would like to raise a point of my own.

If the council is planning to carry on this interesting initiative, then I would like to nominate King Penda to reflect a bit of local history.

Penda was one of our nation's heroes, the last Pagan king of Mercia, who was also culturally and religiously tolerant. (Mercia was the name of the old Saxon kingdom covering this area).

ANDREW MARSHALL

Council Member of District E

Pagan Federation