OH, dear, it sounds like I've really upset Mrs Matthews! (Letters, August 22). In answer to her letter, I do know what hard work is.

I'm now retired but I've worked hard for over 50 years of my life. Before I left school I had to get up and milk 25 cows before getting on the school bus. Then do the same thing when I got home.

By the age of 14 I was humping 'two hundred weight' sacks of corn on my back. I think today someone that age would struggle with less than half that. So, please don't talk to me about hard work!

As for these recycle lorries, I've never seen less than three or four men per lorry. Regarding getting up earlier, my recycle boxes are put out the night before. I never said they would be better off on the dole.

My letter said there are a lot of people on the dole who would like their job if they were not happy with what they do. There is a difference!

David Luckhurst

Okehampton