SIR — As there are often letters of appreciative thanks for money collected or time given for charities or youth clubs on your letters page, may I also add mine, but on a slightly different theme.

It concerns a frantic hour or so in the depths of Dunster Forest last week and the time, patience, empathy and compassion given so willingly to an incident that I understand happens fairly regularly.

Walking in the forest, I came upon a deer, alive but strung against a wire fence like some escapee shot at Auschwitz. I knew there was nothing I could do to release it on my own.

Of course, the mobile had no signal, I was uncertain of the exact name of the area I was in, and I had the feeling that no-one would be interested if and when I got through for help.

I was wrong.

The Dunster Forest Ranger got through to me on his mobile and listened with great patience on our breaking up phone signals whilst I tried to pinpoint where the deer was in those acres of forest.

He had to re-dial many times but he didn't give up.

I was advised not to wait and thanked most gracefully for my concern. He would deal with it and I left the area re-assured.

He phoned in the evening to thank me again and tell me the outcome.

I was glad I didn't hear the shot ring out in that peaceful oasis in the forest.

The little grassy valley is studded with primroses with a bubbling brook running through it. The deer was probably trying to get there to drink. There is a skull and bones of another deer in the same spot.

One understands sheep and cattle have to be kept from wandering from their fields, but they're not known for their high jumps!

Surely a few gaps in the wire fences at a certain height would enable the deer to get through without mishap, and thus avoid the dreadful agony of the one I came across.

It is hateful to think of the time it must have been there. Ten seconds would be too long.

This good gentleman is everything I mentioned in the second paragraph. For some reason I had not expected to experience such re-assurance and help during the afternoon.

I would like to thank him for his most refreshing concern.

Ros Robinson,

Bratton Lane,