I took a tumble in Marlborough High Street last week. Striding along right as rain one minute, then suddenly, a stumble, a trip, and bang wallop I end up flat on my face on the pavement.

I am no spring chicken and admit to having felt somewhat dazed, not least embarrassed, by this unfortunate occurrence.

Within moments of my falling, however, a lady from a nearby shop had rushed out with a chair for me to recover on; another soul offered me a glass of water; and tissues magically appeared from somewhere for me to tidy up my face.

I was very touched by such an immediate response to my predicament and by the genuine concern of those who came to my rescue. A very big thank you to those kind and caring people of Marlborough.

ROBERT MACMILLAN, Churchill Court, Kelham Gardens, Marlborough