I WAS impressed when I read of Asda's generous gesture in letting customers guess the value of their shopping after a power cut hit their check-outs (August 2).

Less impressive was the response of the customers, many of whom apparently phoned their friends to invite them to the trolley dash free-for-all.

I should not be surprised if some of them went through the store several times. I wonder just how many bottles of spirits you can hide in the bottom of your trolley under the cornflakes and biscuits?

It must have been quite a unique atmosphere, especially at the checkouts at 11.30pm, when power was restored.

It is nice to know so many members of our great British public can be relied upon to act selflessly in times of crisis.

Martin Hayton,

Hallard Way,

Strensall, York.

Updated: 11:16 Thursday, August 05, 2004