SIR — I was so sad to read of the death of Frances Fry, she will be greatly missed.

Her column was always a joy to read, about her walks on Exmoor when she was well and then her outings around the area, as her arthritis allowed.

Her deep love and appreciation of her surroundings

was so evident.

I remember feeling sad for her when she lost her original dog, then sharing her joys and frustrations with his successor, Charlie.

When I lived 'up country', I used to have my Free Press posted to me and her wonderfully descriptive prose sustained me between my frequent forays to my beloved Exmoor.

I never had the good fortune to meet Frances but I feel as though I have lost a friend. I feel sure many other readers will echo these sentiments.

My deepest sympathy to all who knew and loved Frances.

Linda Atkins,

Higher Park Lane,

Cutcombe.

SIR — We were so sorry to learn of the passing of Frances Fry.

We so looked forward to reading her entertaining column in the Free Press each week - it was like a breath of fresh country air to a couple of townies like us.

We have been visiting Minehead/Exmoor on and off for more than 50 years and Frances reminded each week of the happy times we spent in this lovely area of the United Kingdom.

Frances Fry will be sorely missed, but we are sure that her writings and drawings will live on in the memory of ourselves and her regular readers for ever.

Gill and Nick Gross,

Solihull.

SIR — I was so terribly sad to learn of the death of Frances Fry.

Every week on receiving your paper, her article was the first to be avidly read.

It was always so interesting, with her great love of birds, wildlife and the wonderful nature of Exmoor, plus news of coach trips and her many outings, and also the exploits of her little dog Charlie who she loved so dearly.

I feel sure she will be greatly missed by all your readers. She gave us all many hours of pleasure and my sincere condolences go to her family and friends.

Mrs M E Martin,

South Hill,

Somerton.