7 SEPTEMBER 1991, Page 25

Satisfied customers

Sir: I sympathised greatly with Joanna Coles' account of her difficulties with the pig-headed British Rail ticket collector ('Don't let the train. . .' 31 August). But however galling it then was for her when 250 people squeezed on to her train at Newark, it was a great relief for us.

The smart new engine which was sup- posed to carry us to London had, of course, broken down. Travelling alone with two children and being stranded in the almost hostile surroundings of the station. I was delighted to jump aboard Joanna Coles' train, however crowded. I am only sorry that chance did not thrust us together so that we could compare nightmares.

Jill Trend

De Beauvoir Road, London Ni