Letter: Lovely Leeds

Sir: 'Leeds', a hard monosyllable signalling something 'bleak, unprivileged and gritty' about the North? Bryan Appleyard (T'narrowness of t'North', 14 September), who taught you English?

'Leeds' begins with a lovely liquid point-side consonant, followed by a long smooth vowel; then comes the sonant dental mute, the scarcely sounded 'd', and finally a sibilant, the sweetest, softest of consonantal sounds. If you want a place-name with true monosyllabic grit, try 'Bath' - especially with a Northern accent.

Yours sincerely,

MICHAEL J. J. DAY

Giggleswick School

North Yorkshire