NIGEL WAY, of the Royal Castle Hotel, Dartmouth, writes:

I was surprised to read the letter from Jon Pope of Dartmouth's Dolphin, pub, Chronicle, March 30.

My wife and I have been a sponsor of the music festival since its inception 15 years ago and supporters of regatta for the 20-odd years we have lived in Dartmouth and am only too aware how much work goes into both.

More volunteers, who work all year round, are needed to prepare for these events with the sole aim of bringing enjoyment to many and much-needed business to our town.

In response to Mr Pope's suggestion that local pubs run the bar in the Market Square, please do offer for music festival and regatta, the sponsorship is much needed by both events. And I know that both committees would like to keep the money in the community.

I have looked at the festival website and notice that there are not many publicans who sponsor the event. This is surprising when they are the very people who gain the most financially from the influx of visitors to the town.

It is sad that Mr Pope is going to 'do his own thing' and does not recognise what truly great events these are.