With recent publicity in the news and on television regarding English apples, I was delighted to find in the Country Harvest greengrocers in Carshalton High Street a great selection of old favourites such as Falstaff, Red Pippin and Lord Lambourne alongside some newer English varieties like Golden Blush.

Upon chatting to the staff I learned that the owner had travelled to various English orchards and farms in the south east to bring these in for us, the public.

I commend his thought and efforts. While I am writing I wish to add that I think it is about time that us locals started supporting these hardworking smaller independent shops.

Where in a supermarket can you find friendly individual service where the staff will happily halve cabbages upon request and allow you to try out fruits before purchasing, as they do in this particular greengrocers?

I would like to say a very big thank you from a very satisfied customer to the owners for picking up on shoppers' needs and stocking a lot of quality English and local produce. I cannot stipulate enough how important I think it is for us locals to make the most of having a high street where we still have an excellent butchers, bakers, greengrocers and chemist amongst others.

The old saying is true use it or lose it'.

I wonder what other readers think?

MRS JACKIE NASH Boundary Road Carshalton