I QUITE agree with the letter from David Thomas stating that having a stranger running through our streets with a naked flame is unlikely to “motivate or inspire the watching world”.

Two thousand years ago it was the only form of illumination but with present day powerful torches with long-life batteries l am surprised that the Health and Safety Executive has not stepped in to ban this dangerous practice.

Furthermore, as most major towns and cities are joined by roads, railways and in some cases airports there is no longer any need for people to run from place to place.

Also there are plenty of parcel delivery companies who could transport a whole load of torches overnight with guaranteed next day delivery anywhere in the UK, which would be a far more efficient way of carrying out this function.

GRAHAM CRIBB, Branksome Wood Road, Bournemouth