SIR - Your front page story (T&A, November 27) about Kirsty Oldfield and the plight she is in is appalling.

We live in a country that gives millions away to foreign countries and yet, when it comes to one of our young people trying to get on towards a wonderful life and future, the State turns its back on her.

Fate dealt her the double tragedy of losing both parents. Now, on top of all that, she tries to help herself to carry on but is informed she can't do and, despite cutting her hours at a part-time job, has her benefits cut then stopped.

To pursue a brilliant career she needs help, but to get that she was told "get pregnant and you will get everything."

The Government talks of raising the school-leaving age but where is the money to help them do that, as their needs are food in their mouths, clothes to wear, and books to buy.

It's time this Government put its house in order. They are too busy sending millions to help other people across the world.

Charity begins at home Mr Brown, and until you realise this, your plans for education do not exist.

Barbara J Rudd, Roger Court, Undercliffe

  • SIR - Education, education, education' was Tony Blair's electioneering promise which was carried on by Gordon Brown.

Add to this the criticism of one-parent families and we have to ask ourselves, how on earth the talented orphan Kirsty Oldfield, the subject of your main story (T&A, November 28) has been advised the only way to get more benefit money is to become pregnant?

She should be helped not to become pregnant.

What an apt name for the school minister of this lamentable administration - Ed Balls! Surely, if he won't help Children in Need, would the charity if approached or, indeed, if its managers read the story?

Philip Bird, Nab Wood Terrace, Shipley