I would inform Ray Bondin (Falling Standards Of English, August 8) that if he really wants to see appalling English and spelling he should come to the UK!

Here, spelling seems to have a low priority mainly because our education system, which is subject to continual government interference, deems that it is no longer important.

As an exam invigilator I once heard a teacher tell his candidates not to bother about spelling as there were only five marks for it! I couldn't believe what I was hearing.

Just two days ago there was an item on the BBC news about this very subject and many people believe that correct spelling no longer matters.

I believe it does and the fact that a lot of people in the UK neither know nor care how to spell even simple words shows just how poor the education system here has become. I have been holidaying in Malta for over 20 years but have never learned the language as it is far too difficult for me and I am lazy. Besides, most Maltese speak wonderful English.

Yes I do spot occasional spelling errors in signs, but I just think of how much Maltese that I know and I feel humbled.

In Malta, I know that many people speak three languages, the third being Italian. I look up to the Maltese and their educational system and wish that many people living in the UK spoke as good English as the average Maltese does.

Do not worry about the odd English spelling mistake in Malta, Mr Bondin, you can rest assured that there are far more here!