MAY I express my sincere gratitude and thanks for the warm welcome your Lord Mayor, Janet Greenwood, accorded me during my visit to York on Tuesday, November 15.

I am traversing the country, exchanging gifts and messages of goodwill to mayors and dignitaries working through the alphabet in order to promote my hometown of Walsall, in an unofficial ambassador role.

I could think of no better city, or people, than to use York as the Y in this challenge. York did a great job, along with staff and council services, in greeting me and giving a tour of the Mansion House. It was a huge honour to be able to see your city's heritage in such a unique way and I am sure that your Lord Mayor also enjoyed the recognition from an out-of-towner, so to speak.

York - a great tradition, a great city. I wish its citizens well.

Mark Dabbs,

Darlaston Road,

Walsall.

Updated: 09:08 Tuesday, November 29, 2005