How sad I was to see last Thursday's front page of The Argus, "The sun goes down on the West Pier".

It reminded me of the early days of the Second World War when I had become a despatch rider with the Auxiliary Fire Service.

Brighton was divided into several areas and various buildings (often garages) were taken over by the fire service to give each one full coverage.

I was stationed in Regency Mews at Moore's garage. Some of the training was done on the beach, although it had been closed to the public.

My detail was to lie on the beach when the tide was out, then a ladder would be lowered from the pier and I would be tied to it. The ladder was pulled up on to the pier and I would be untied, only for the process to be repeated many times during the coming months.

I have a natural regard for the pier and sincerely hope that a more important rescue will take place.

This important landmark must remain for future generations to visit. The city needs many visitors and the West Pier, together with the other important buildings such as the Pavilion, could provide a tremendous attraction with all the history attached to it.

I am glad that my rescue operations were successful because later I joined the RAF and learned to fly both Spitfires and Mustangs.

I do believe in miracles and trust that one day I may be able to walk along a fully restored West Pier.

-Leonard J Alliston, West Worthing