Sir.-I was shopping at Marks & Spencer in Basingstoke town centre on July 16, with my little boy, who is five years old.

I turned around to speak to him and he was gone.

The next five to 10 minutes were the most terrifying of my life.

I searched everywhere but he was nowhere to be found.

However, the staff in the store were wonderful.

I would also like to thank the kind people who held my hand and tried to reassure me.

He was found and taken to the information point, where we were given Child Safe wrist bands, which he wore for the next two days (at his own request!).

This is a wonderful idea and hopefully will keep children safe.

Thank you, again, to everyone who helped.

-H Wilkins, Address withheld.