SIR - I know Rik Mayall is a local lad and I'm not surprised you covered his new book. What I don't understand is why, especially in this present climate, you had to publish a picture of the cover. To me it is nothing short of blasphemous.

If Rik Mayall wants to write a tongue-in-cheek book, fine, but leave blasphemy out of it. Did it not occur to you that some of your readers would find the book cover and title offensive? I don't understand why it's OK to mock Jesus - you would not do the same if it were Mohammed or a god of another faith. So, why mock Jesus?

Followers of Jesus are citizens of this country and therefore have equal rights. The Christian faith on which this country is founded should not be held to ridicule or mocking any more

than anyone else. I would like to see you publish an apology to Christians for offending them.

MARGARET SAUNDERS,

Worcester.