VAL Doonican's demise leaves a significant gap in the ranks of the all-round good guys (Herald Obituary, July 3).

What you saw was what you got, and that warm, relaxed manner on screen was the real thing.

With Robin Hall I was lucky enough to work with him a few times. I met him on one occasion in the BBC club of Television Centre in White City. I was a regular visitor and commented on the fact that I had never seen him there before. "There's nothing here I need. I don't drink, I love my wife, and when my work is done, I'm very happy to go home," he replied.

Looking around, his approach seemed to make perfect sense in a place where everyone was looking over your shoulder for a glimpse of someone more famous. Val was grateful for his life and gave a great deal of pleasure along the way.

Jimmie Macgregor,

Holyrood Crescent, Glasgow.