When did you last see a bobby on the beat? And do you care? A Home Office study has shown that one in four people have never seen police officers on foot patrol in their local patch.

While we do not have figures broken down for Shropshire, it seems likely that this England and Wales statistic is also reflected locally.

There will be the usual arguments over whether it represents a failure of grass roots policing.

The general response from the police is along the lines that although bobbies on the beat are all very well, it is bobbies in cars which can respond quickest and most effectively to incidents.

While that is obviously true, a desire for visible policing on foot is not misty-eyed nostalgia. It is completely relevant to how the police are trying to shape their service in the 21st century by forging strong connections with communities.

Whether those on foot patrol are police officers or Community Support Officers does not matter too much. What does matter is the reassurance that is provided by seeing the boys and girls in blue about when fear of crime can be as crippling and inhibiting as crime itself.

Foot patrols enhance public relations and community relations. Police officers get chatting with people and learn of the things that really matter to them. They become part of the communities, whereas driving around in cars separates them and makes them aloof.

In the current economic environment there is severe pressure on police budgets. Effectiveness has to be considered. Priorities have to be considered.

But with foot patrols, it is a no brainer. The public wants them. And it is the public that the police are serving.

The worthiest of causes:

In theory, there can hardly have been a worse time to organise a nationwide jamboree to raise money for charity.

Money is tight, and in any event Christmas is coming up.

Somehow Children In Need always defies the odds and taps into that well of generosity which is thankfully inherent in so many people.

Across Shropshire and Mid Wales folk are doing their bit, putting the fun into fundraising with a variety of activities, some madcap, some more staid, but all in a good cause. Hats off to them.

Now it has to be said that there are others who are not in the mood for such frivolity, and for whom it grates to see people joyfully sending themselves up and making fools of themselves on television.

Lighten up. Put aside the cynicism for a day, or even just a few hours. There are children out there deserving of help and a better life. It is the most noble of causes.

There are always people worse off. Give a little, or give a little more, but do give something to help brighten the future of our young.