As one of the 80 voluntary workers who attended the event at the Imperial Hotel, Blackburn just two weeks ago, I must respond to the grossly unfair, inaccurate and ill informed article concerning this event (LT November 15).

Firstly I strongly object to the use of the emotive term ‘Jolly’. As mentioned towards the end of the article all volunteers – over less than two days and not three as stated – (Wednesday evening to after lunch Friday) were involved in presentations, workshops and physical activities, all designed to inform and motivate us as to how best to get the message across – given the alarming statistics – to the residents of Blackburn with Darwen just how important physical activity is in enjoying better health and longer life.

There are seven groups of volunteers – more are needed – covering the whole of the borough and all working in areas where they live. I have been involved in voluntary work for Age Concern and various Local Authority departments for thirteen years or more, most recently with the ‘Healthy Communities Partnership’. What a wonderful bunch of enthusiastic and committed people they are. They get the job done as their excellent and well documented record of success amply demonstrates.

Although I am 73 years old, I look forward to many more rewarding and fulfiling years working alongside fellow volunteers under the guidance of this fantastic group of people.

Contrary to the very emotive statement by Mark Wallace (Taypayers Alliance) money for the event did not come “out of the pockets of hard working families” but was paid for as part of a Communities for Health grant, which is awarded specifically to invest in the continued improve-ment in the Health of Residents in Blackburn with Darwen.

FRANK ARKWRIGHT, Lynwood Road, Blackburn.