The "yoof of 32" (Letters, January 19) is somewhat pushing the boundaries, isn't he?

I originally commented about the marginalisation of people over a certain age (Letters, January 17) and certainly wasn't knocking youth generally, who are people under 20 - so my workmate, who is 21, tells me.

I am part of a Brighton family with a large under-35 contingent, all of whom are dearly loved and cherished for their individuality, enthusiasm for life and ambitions.

I am very proud of them all. I also have close friends in their 30s and can relate to them and they to me.

I was born in Brighton and spent my youth in the Sixties loving every moment of it.

I cannot remember pubs where middle-aged people were banned.

Admittedly, most of us used to spend our free time in coffee bars, never venturing out in the sun as you had to look as pale as possible. What pubs we used to go to had a fair mixture of ages and types.

Brighton has always catered for the unconventional. In Brighton, you can get away with wearing clothes without disapproval you couldn't wear anywhere else - that is diversity and eccentricity.

Well, Charlie, I don't know what your problem is. You are obviously quite a bitter person.

I love the age I am. I am certainly not a bilious old person complaining of days gone by, nor do I know of any. I don't envy the youth of today, who have far more problems than we had in the Sixties.

Brighton was a lot safer. There were pubs you avoided because you knew there would be a fight there but you could walk home safely.

You have my sympathies because life is much harder and more stressful for you now.

Despite this, I hope life offers everything you desire.

-C Gerald, Lansdowne Place, Hove