A few years ago I had a car accident on Christmas Day - not the best day to pick.

After a telephone call by a passer-by, the emergency services were there in minutes. The car was in a bad state, and I knew I was too.

When the firefighters arrived, they gave me reassurance while I was being cut from the wreckage, keeping me up-to-date at all times as to what they were doing.

Thanks to them, I was able to be taken to hospital and treated for a broken pelvis and ribs.

Thanks to them, I am able to sit here and type this letter.

Now, may I ask how many people would be able to drop whatever they were doing on Christmas Day (or any day come to think of it) and rescue someone's life?

I know full well that our MPs definitely wouldn't.

Just sit back and think. If one of your loved ones was involved in a car accident, or house fire. They would die if it were not for the bravery and skill of these people. Would you then say they don't deserve their pay increase?

STEVE SMITH

Holford Road

Witney