Sir.-While I agree the UK should have an honours system, the last New Year Honours must give ammunition for those who wish to scrap it.

This year, only one third of the awards were given to people in the community doing good work over a very long period.

Most of the other awards, with a few exemptions, went to people who were well paid for what they did.

I feel the scheme needs revising in favour of the unsung heroes and volunteers, with special awards going to people such as the double Paralympic champion Tanni Grey-Thompson.

-Peter Effer, UKIP prospective parliamentary candidate, Kempshott Park, Basingstoke.