I couldn't help grinning wryly at your report about sledging being safe for children. Of course it's not safe.

What is? Rough-and-tumble childhood games are as natural as breathing and teach children how to make informed decisions about risk in later life.

But one thing is sure - sledging, snowballing, and any snow games are infinitely more safe now than they have ever been. The reason is no mystery.

Has anyone seen any meaningful snow in York in recent years? I haven't in the 13 years I have lived here.

You see boys and girls, real snow in York is just something you will read in history books. And there is a very good reason why.

It is because mum and dad have changed the climate with their nice shiny motor cars and all the lovely plastic-electric things they buy. Graham Horne,

Beech Avenue,

Bishopthorpe, York.

Updated: 11:25 Saturday, November 29, 2003