One of the pleasures of catching the train at Newcastle's Central Station has been to pick up a copy of the Hexham Courant.

It is a wonderful chance to read up on the comings and goings of life in Tynedale in a leisurely fashion.

Similarly, unless sold out by mid week, it has been easy to collect the paper on longer trips back home.

Sadly, this is no longer possible as W.H Smith have decided not to sell the Courant from this busy outlet.

A baffling move particularly when the paper has progressed to an easy to read size suitable for train or bus.

Regional newspapers are under pressure to keep their circulation levels and independent news coverage doe so much to inform public opinion.

Regardless of the electronic options, a reduction of newspaper choice at the stands is a poor deal for the readers and the travelling public.

ROGER MORRIS,

Washington.