Sir, – Having read the letter by Joyce Richardson (“Helping hands” D&S May 1), I called my aunt in Helmsley to ask what she was doing on April 13.

Of course she could not remember, but when I read the article out she said it was her and my cousin who saw this lady in distress. My aunt is Joan Robson of Helmsley and my cousin is Julie Robson, recently returned to Helmsley from York where she is a Sister at a private hospital.

I knew they quite often walk up to Duncombe Park with the dog. It seemed a coincidence but I confirmed it was them.

LIZ DUNN Great Ayton.