MACMILLAN Cancer Relief's World's Biggest Coffee Morning in September was an outstanding success.

The full amount raised is not yet known but probably exceeds the national target (£4.5 million).

In north Hampshire alone, 250 coffee mornings were held. I warmly congratulate every organiser and participant.

There are already six Macmillan nurses working in the north of the county, but with more people being diagnosed with cancer each week, Macmillan Cancer Relief's services are needed more than ever.

IT WAS a privilege to attend the official lau-nch of the county's Poppy Appeal last Friday.

The town centre's Porchester Square was an appropriate setting for the simple ceremony and act of worship. Many shoppers paused to witness the event.

I echo the call made in The Gazette (October 22) by the borough mayor, Cllr Gwen Richardson. I hope that there will again be enormous support locally for the Poppy Appeal.

Last year, the local branch of the Royal British Legion raised a phenomenal £32,000. It would be wonderful to equal this amount - even better to exceed it.

TWO town post offices have already closed (Black Dam and Norn Hill). The Roman Road Post Office has been "temporarily" closed for some time. Now the post offices in Kings Road, Vyne Road, Worting Road and Queens Road are threatened with closure.

The extent of these closures is deeply worrying.

I am closely in touch with Postwatch, the consumer watchdog for postal services. We are doing all we can to ensure that consumer interests are properly considered.