27 JANUARY 1996, Page 25

Low fliers

Sir: I was surprised that Sir Simon Towne- ley (Letters, 20 January) should think that the second Marquis of Ripon deserves to be called the 'best shot in England' for hav- ing shot 28 pheasants in 60 seconds at Sandringham.

Quick on the draw, yes — but an old friend informs me that the actual skill needed is minimal since the unfortunate birds fly little higher than the Range Rovers that transport the royal sportsmen.

Michael Bailey

Great Dorweeke, Silverton, Exeter