Gerard Lynch, 44, contacted the Express after reading the international rugby league star's scathing criticism of the town in last week's report.

Mr Henderson's comments about the town being "the worst place" he had lived in have sparked outrage among residents and community leaders and thrown Castleford back into the media spotlight.

Mr Lynch, a sales representative, moved to Castleford from Melbourne with his wife, Joanne, 36, and children, Tristan, seven, and Delta, five, a year ago.

He said: "Castleford is one of the gateways to Yorkshire and all it has to offer.

"Unlike Mr Henderson, we have found both Castleford and West Yorkshire a terrific place to live.

"My wife has transferred for work and we have no British family or roots here and feel we are unbiased in our opinions. We are not involved in rugby league, apart from becoming Castleford Tigers fans through involvement with our friends in the town.

"It has a very friendly village atmosphere, with lots of 'hiyas' and 'hello loves' everywhere you go.

"Of course Australia will always be home but we want to say thank you to the people of Castleford for making our second home a great experience."

In an interview with an Australian newspaper, Mr Henderson – a former Bradford Bulls player and New Zealand Warriors hooker – said Castleford was "the worst place" he had lived in.

The brother of former Castleford Tigers' player Andy and Wakefield Wildcats' centre Kevin said: "It's dull, always grey, everyone just goes to the pub and drinks themselves silly, there's nothing for young people to do.

"It's really ugly.

"(There are) Too many mush-ohs – 'mates' in Yorkshire – they've got rotten teeth, need a bath, run around drinking, big beer belly, just watch the footie".

But Mr Lynch disagrees.

He said: "To suggest there is nothing for young people to do – obviously the entertainment at Xscape, with the cinema, ski slope, rock-climbing, ten pin bowling, children's fun park and the rides out the front must have passed his notice.

"In addition, there is Queen's Park and the children's parks that have been newly-developed by the regeneration project.

"My children also have swimming, drama and dancing lessons, all in Castleford.

"I think there is even a dentist.

"Yes, sure, it's a bit wet and grey – but that's England and not Australia. He should rug up and enjoy."

See letters on page 16