I WAS saddened to read in Postbag of July 21 the hurtful and unkind letter regarding the Malvern Arts Festival, belittling the efforts of the organisers and disdainful of the works of contributing artists.

It is clear the writer of this letter has no idea of the hard work that went into this enterprise. Had she attended all the events, talks, demonstrations and exhibitions - most of them given and held by professional artists - she would have found them excellent. As for the choice of pictures at The Grove, they were selected by an independent team of professional artists and art college tutors.

I do not think the festival was in any way overloaded with the work of amateur artists - and there are some very good ones in and around Malvern. Surely an arts festival is there to encourage amateurs and to promote the works of professionals.

Finally, it is most unfair to compare the first Arts Festival with the excellent Ledbury Poetry Week, which has now been running for some time, gaining popularity and know-how over the years. It is the support, encouragement and enthusiasm of Ledbury people, not unfair criticism, that has helped to make it such a success, and in so doing, it has also promoted the town.

I suggest that if Mrs MacDonald feels she knows what is needed to take the Malvern Arts Festival on to further success, she should roll up her sleeves and take on the seemingly thankless task.

Mrs E A B Plimmer, Colwall, Malvern.