Aliens like nothing more than some retail therapy. At least that is the theory of green campaigners, who will become little green men tomorrow to protest about our consumer-obsessed society.

The point is a valid one, and their choice of demonstration is enjoyably eccentric. Their timing, however, is questionable.

With the switch-on of York's Christmas lights last night, people are getting into the seasonal spirit.

It is a time for giving, but the gifts have to be bought first. And our festive spending spree is vital for local shops which employ hundreds of people.

If the extra-terrestrials really want to persuade us to take a retail respite, they would be better off beaming down after the January sales.

see NEWS 'Green aliens in shopping invasion'

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.