DR Ward needs to explain what he means by "junkets and fact-finding missions" (Letters, March 15). There haven't been any.

However, I invite him to the next "junket" - a celebration of a woman's 90th birthday party in April.

The woman lives in one of the council's residential homes where it is not uncommon for birthdays of 100, 101 and, indeed, 102 to be celebrated.

I should be delighted if he could accompany me on this and thus ensure press coverage of what promises to be a wonderful occasion.

Perhaps he could let me know by contacting me at the Guildhall.

Coun Sue Galloway,

Executive member for social

services and health,

Stirrup Close,

York.

Updated: 12:07 Thursday, March 18, 2004