Letter: Reform of the honours system is a mixed blessing

Sir: John Major's 'classless honours' initiative may be tinkering but it could lead to real reform (leading article, 5 March).

I have tried on a number of occasions to find my way through the Byzantine procedure for nominating people for honours - to no avail. In 1992, as Lord Mayor of Westminster, I inaugurated the city's own award scheme - the Westminster Ribbon of Honour - for the unsung heroes who give unstintingly of their time and effort and make up the backbone of our communities. These are the active citizens who can transform our cities and the environment. The Government is right to recognise and reward them.

Yours faithfully,

SHIRLEY PORTER

London, SW1

5 March