PERHAPS if we returned the Elgin Marbles now in the British Museum and bought for £35,000 - and which really should have been left in Athens where they rightfully belong - the "plane spotters" will be freed before Christmas.

This gesture of goodwill might be of advantage to all concerned.

Mention this to Prince Philip - after all he is partly Greek. How would we like it if some of our treasures were bought by another country and put in their museums?

Barbara Wright,

Manor Road,

The Bungalows, Easingwold.

Updated: 11:05 Wednesday, December 12, 2001