I THOUGHT my comment on teachers last week would prompt some response. Here's a bit of the best from the husband of a hard worked teacher who lives in Culcheth, but wishes to remain ananymous:

"The answer to Lesley Richards' jealousy of teachers is simple...she can join!

She has presumably needed the benefit of a university education to do her present job and so would qualify for all those lovely holidays (perhaps she could teach media studies).

I think that it might be fair to point out just a few snags such as the 'holidays' are for the pupils and she might be expected to do some work at home (probably a lot less than she is used to?) Give it a try Lesley, spend a day in a school. I know someone who thinks she might like to try your job!"

My first ambition was to be a teacher and how I now wish I had been.

Unfortunately, life took a different route and I ended up in this profession 35 years ago.

After grammar school the only further education I received was the University of Life and I am now past my sell-by date to consider changing careers.

However, I know journalists who have recently moved into the teaching profession and said it is the best thing they have ever done.

I'd like to point out that this column, usually a full page, in the big news Friday Journal, is just a small part of my job and, believe it or not, is worked on at home every day!

Send your wife along for a week in journalism -- but only if she wants to receive a lot lower pay, and on top of a 9-5 job do boring night meetings, early morning calls and be available to dash out to cover tragedies 24 hours a day, seven days a week for 47 weeks a year.

Any weekly would be grateful for the help.