CAROLINE Aherne was a national treasure and it would have been fitting to have had some sort of tribute paid to her apart from that featured on TV and radio.

However, for Ricky Tomlinson to suggest a state funeral (Messenger, October 6), that is simply beyond the pale.

Also, it is wholly inaccurate for him to state that everyone hated Margaret Thatcher as, after all, she won three elections with large majorities and helped make the UK a country to be reckoned with again.

I suppose what Mr T meant was that everyone on his side of the political spectrum, (miners, fishermen etc), disliked her.

Come on Ricky, please try to get things into proportion!

Regards William Billing, via email