Many Argus readers will recall contributions to your letters page from Ian McLean over a number of years across a comprehensive range of topics. Ian's letters were always well thought through, succinctly written and frequently containing exactly the right touch of good humour. Perhaps that explains why so many of his letters found their way into the Argus.

Sadly, after his career in teaching was cut short prematurely by ill health, Ian McLean died on May 24 this year. He will be greatly missed by his colleagues and friends in the profession, in particular those who will remember his sterling work for the National Union of Teachers. His regular letters to the Argus will undoubtedly be missed by readers.

As a tribute to those contributions and as a mark of respect to Ian's life, it would be very fitting to publish this letter on the day of his funeral in Brighton, today.

-Jeff Nixon, Rutland Road, Hove