WEARSIDE could help build its local economy if planners were to extend the Metro link to Washington via the old colliery railway on the north side of the city.

I believe there is land still vacant from the former old colliery railway track, Wearmouth colliery up to Usworth.

Going for a basic new Wear bridge crossing rather than wasting several millions on a iconic bridge.

Laying a new Metro track to Washington would be more benifical to Wearside's local economy, rather than an iconic bridge that will cost a fortune to maintain over the years.
Peter Kerr,
Chelsea,
London

Early detection saves lives
AS someone who is surviving (seven years) of lung cancer, I thought your supporters might be interested in a few facts about the disease.
The two aims of Lung Cancer Awareness Month are to inform and educate the public.
The campaign urges you to see your doctor straight away if you have any of the following symptoms:
A cough that doesn't go away after two to three weeks;
Worsening of a long-standing cough;
Persistent chest infections;
Coughing blood;
Unexplained persistent breathlessness;
Unexplained persistent tiredness or lack of energy;
Unexplained persistent weight loss;
Persistent chest and / or shoulder pain.
These symptoms may not be serious, in which case, you've got nothing to lose by getting them checked out. If they are serious, you've got everything to gain – diagnosis at an early stage could save your life.
Visit your GP now or call the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Helpline free on 0800 358 7200; or Macmillan CancerLine on 0808 808 2020.
It is also important to recognise that non-smokers can get lung cancer, too. One in eight people with lung cancer have never smoked.
While smoking is still the major cause of lung cancer, the good news is that quitting works. It's never too late to give up, and the sooner you stop the better. Even if you have been smoking for most of your life, your chances of developing lung cancer will be much less if you give up now, whatever your age.
Paul and Kath Robson (Lung Cancer Patient),
Washington

Appeal for photos
PLEASE, can anyone help me? I would like to find out more information about the history of Doxford House in Warden Law. I particularly would appreciate any photographs of people that lived there at the time of Lady Doxford, or previously. Photographs or information on any servants etc would be greatly appreciated. My interest in the house in geniune and I would be extremely grateful for any information however small.
Gemma Carrick,
Burdon Vale,
Sunderland

Picture to be proud of
I HAVE a framed picture of the only Sunderland team, all autographed, to win League and FA Cup in consecutive years 1936 and 1937. They also won the Charity Shield in 1936 and were semi-finalists in 1938.
Also in 1938, one of the players in this picture, after ending 10 years as a player was appointed manager for SAFC and remained for 20 years.
So Sunderland had two first-class players Bill Murray and Niall Quinn, who became manager and Chairman of Sunderland AFC.
This will surely never be repeated.
The successful run actually started in 1935 when Sunderland were runners-up to Arsenal the champions.
So for those years 1935-1938 Sunderland were a top team.
Newcastle were relegated in 1934 and did not return until 1948.
V Outram,
Sidecliffe,
Sunderland

How Cherie made my day
I AM always amazed at how a simple sentence can change ones very thinking. Never in my wildest moment would I have believed I could actually agree with a Cherie Blair statement.
When Cherie was asked how history might treat her husband Tony (working class speak) as Prime Minister her reply was quite astounding, alongside Churchill, she said.
Until that moment I had never likened Tony with the nodding dog in the insurance advert. However, one must admit the resemblance.
Should we now say "Challenge Tony", or should it be, "challenged Tony".
Many thanks, ma Cherie for making my day.
Leslie Dobson,
Percy Terrace,
Sunderland

Ludicrous note-ice
WHILE in Durham City the other day, I went into a paper shop near North Road and was amazed by the notice they displayed.
No Scottish notes at all will be accepted here.
Okay, if that's the way they want to play, Scotland should display no English notes.
This is ludicrous. It's all legal tender.
I wish I had a sackload of these notes.
Great Britain? God help us.
Name and address supplied