I am writing in praise of Ken Bodfish, leader of Brighton and Hove City Council.

Wherever I go, people, from the homeless selling the Big Issue to university professors, speak well of him.

I am a mature student aged 59 and am currently studying at the University of Sussex.

I have led a hard life, having been in and out of mental institutions for the better part of my life, and can only speak well of the council's policy of helping the vulnerable and underprivileged - an admirable thing for a local council to do, as I am sure your readers will agree.

I have nothing but praise for the local education authority and its wonderful staff who have bent over backwards for my assistance.

There is one person in particular who has helped me but I won't name her as it might embarrass her.

Councillor Bodfish should be congratulated for having such people under him.

My self-esteem has rocketed since becoming a mature student. My thanks to all concerned in helping me fulfil this once-in-a-lifetime's ambition. And special thanks to Assertive Outreach Team, a branch of the mental health services.

A University of Sussex mature student

-name and address supplied