LET there be lights.

The four main bars of York are festooned in silvery lights for the festive season and what a striking effect has been achieved.

I will avoid the hackneyed expression “wow factor” (oops), but my wife and I were thrilled to be confronted by a shimmering spectacle as we drove along the Mount - Micklegate Bar, draped in a curtain of tiny lights.

We soon discovered the other three were similarly adorned.

The illuminations cover the basic outline of the front elevation of the gateways.

Rather appropriately the impression achieved suggests the bars are dressed in chain mail. Glittery but not glitzy.

Some people express disappointment over York’s efforts at lighting up for Christmas but the bars look wonderful.

Such stylish, tasteful and imaginative treatment of these four distinctive and special structures is greatly appreciated.

Derek Reed, Middlethorpe Drive, York