Your article on P Chapman (January 16), a friend of mine, prompts me to mention other colourful characters Brighton has produced in the past.

Who remembers the 'gentleman' totterer, so-called because of his appearance in long black overcoat and black Homburg hat?

The short lady who sold matches from a tray round her neck at the bottom of Ann Street?

And a relative of mine always to be seen on the seafront road, Worthing, riding a three-wheeled bike, dressed in top hat, tails, kid gloves and wearing a monocle?

-Gordon Dean, St Lukes Road, Brighton