Councillor Dan Putty has done more public service than anyone else in Basingstoke.

He has been a councillor for decades, he's been mayor, he was a magistrate for years, he has been a volunteer driver for Hampshire social services, he was a school governor of several schools, he has helped various charities, even chaired charities.

This man has served Basingstoke in so many ways, and when I read of his own experiences of racism in last week's Gazette (June 26, "Ex-Mayor speaks out on racist experience"), I felt ashamed.

I know Dan, and I can honestly say that you couldn't meet a nicer chap. If all our councillors were like Dan I'm sure this town would be a marvellous place. Dan really cares about people, always has time for everyone, always listens, and always says hello.

If anyone deserves public recognition it's Dan. Sir Dan Putty sounds good to me, it's no more than he deserves.

Brian Simmonds, Belmont Heights, Hatch Warren