I COULD not believe the mean and grudging attitude of Alan Buckley, organiser of Upton Jazz Festival, to giving Upton Youth Band a slot.

I look forward to their performance every year and to me, the festival would not be complete without them.

Here we have local kids turning out, often in boiling hot weather, dressed up to the nines and playing their hearts out. They may not strictly be a jazz band but their style and enthusiasm more than live up to the occasion.

As to giving other bands a chance, well fair enough, but don't forget it's the parents of the Upton Youth Band who have to put up with the inconvenience of their home town being completely taken over for three days every single year.

For goodness sake, Alan Buckley, show the same amount of enthusiasm that these children do.

MRS CATHERINE WATSON, Hancocks Lane, Welland, Malvern.