MY BOXING DAY BLUES

It really is annoying to have all your effort before Christmas devalued even before you’ve eaten your last mince pie. Come Boxing Day we find all those presents that cost us an arm and a leg are now half price. Then we are bombarded with TV ads for summer holidays.

Isn’t it about time we had some respite from these continuous assaults on our pockets? S T Vaughan Birmingham There are not many celebrities like entertainer Joe Longthorne. My 88-year-old father, a fan of his, was critically ill in hospital last year and Joe sent him a Christmas card with a handwritten message. He has done the same again this year. I can honestly say Joe gave me my father back from the brink of death. A true superstar. Stuart Morton West London So Mel Ingleton can’t see why Ed Sheeran is so popular (Madeuthink, Dec 20). His talent is more important than how he looks or his messy hair. He’s a true star.

Don Smith, Hillingdon North London

As 2018 approaches, we are asking you to write your New Year messages to Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn. Email or write to the address below and we’ll publish a selection of your letters on New Year’s Day.