WHAT a superb photograph by Frank Dwyer of the ten year old girl with the sparkler (November 5, right).

Not only must the girl have had excellent co-ordination to trace the perfect number five in reverse several times, but how did Frank capture the whole sequence and keep the girl's image so sharp?

My guess is a long exposure on the scene as the number five was traced, then a flash to capture the girl's face.

The standard of photography in the Evening Press has impressed me since I first came to York two years ago, and Frank has done it again.

Andy Scaife,

Lowther Terrace,

York.

...IN his reply to the question "Should the public sale of fireworks be banned?" (November 4) Coun Waller seems to be trying to be all things to all people.

We are not discussing sparklers, Catherine wheels or small rockets being discharged only on November 5.

We are talking about explosive devices so powerful their effects can be felt through house floors; loud enough to be heard a couple of miles away and rockets more like anti-aircraft missiles being set off indiscriminately throughout the year.

By all means allow the use of fireworks for traditional celebratory purposes on November 5 under rigidly-controlled conditions by proper licensed organisations.

But if we wish to avoid establishing a black market, and the sale of fireworks to the public is to continue, then let these be the sparklers, Catherine wheels and small rockets which Coun Waller appears to favour.

A Dobinson,

Askham Lane,

York.

...I WAS pleased to see that York council chiefs welcome tough new laws to drive fireworks off the streets (November 5) and the possibility of a noise limit.

While I understand that some people enjoy celebrating bonfire night in their gardens, I am filled with dread for a week each year during the run up to Bonfire Night.

I own two large dogs who, despite being dosed with herbal calming medication, continue to run up and down the stairs squeaking with fright at the sound of something not dissimilar to an exercise at Strensall barracks!

From 6pm onwards I had the TV on full blast which was annoying, but at least it went a small way to allaying the fears of two large dogs quivering under the table.

Mrs J Reed,

Whitelands Cottages,

Haxby, York.

Updated: 10:35 Friday, November 07, 2003