How I sympathise with your correspondent (Letters, 11.12.09) regarding the quality of local radio.

Once upon a time, the BBC newsreader donned a dinner suit, patent leather shoes and a bow tie... to read the news on the radio.

'Auntie' was the voice of Britain for the whole world through the World Service. The language was perfect, every word clear and proper. BBC Radio Cornwall is my choice of local radio listening, especially in the morning and in the car.

Sadly, it's the best of a bad bunch. The Queen's English has been replaced with endless Americanisms.

And mispronunciations of Cornish place names are unforgivable. The basic rule is simple, emphasise the second syllable (almost always). I won't mention Launceston, but how can you get Liskeard, Dobwalls, Torpoint and Saltash wrong?

There is no need for a cull, just a rocket. If you cannot do the job, make way for someone who can! Stop trying to change us, we are near perfect as we are!

PAUL TUCKER

Pelynt