Letter: In Brief

Sir: Having read the letters from David Bate and John Anderson (2 January), I wonder if the time has arrived to discontinue or reform the system of honours. One example: OBE or Officer of the Order of the British Empire - there is no British Empire.

I for one would abolish all these honours and introduce one simple honour called "Service to the Community". This would be open to everybody regardless of class or profession. I believe the majority of people would look at the recipients with pride and admiration instead of contempt.

DAVID WILDING

Bridge, Kent