AN absolute pleasure! Over the last 12 days it has been my family's privilege to host one of the Romanian children shown in the Star.

Not only were they happy, intelligent and grateful for the chance given to them by the various families, their manners were absolutely second to none and a joy to see.

On the last evening, Minelia brought down the following letter and asked us to publish it on behalf of their group: "On behalf of the Romanian friends, many thanks to the people from St Helens. We will always be grateful to you for giving us the chance of knowing more about England. We were all very impressed of what we've seen. Thank you for your hospitality and your kindness. This memory will always be in our minds and in our souls.

Minelia Toma (age 15)."

To finish, on behalf of all the people involved, I would also like to thank all the people of St Helens who helped us in any small way to make this dream come true for these children.

Thank you again.

Paul Flaherty (name and address supplied).