SIR - A wry smile crossed my face on January 3 as I read Chris Lee's letter claiming not to have seen any policemen on the beat over the Christmas period.

I hope that Mr Lee enjoyed Christmas and new year with his family.

My other half is a member of the West Mercia police but unfortunately I didn't see much of him over the festive period as from December 24 to January 1 he only had one day off, and worked four days and three night shifts.

On New Year's Eve he left home at 6pm, on nights, and he returned home 16 hours later, having spent much of the night trying to deal with drunk and violent members of the public.

Perhaps if Mr Lee has nothing better to do with his time he should write to Gordon Brown to ask him to review the ridiculous 24- hour drinking laws that we have in this country, and a letter to Jacqui Smith supporting the police pay rise wouldn't go amiss either.

CATHERINE THORBURN, Worcester.