IF, as you say, Mars will come within 34 million, six hundred and forty six thousand, four hundred and 18 miles from earth on August 27 this year ('Mars gets closer' August 13) - it's still not to my liking, thank you! I prefer our local stars - an orbital Chocolate Orange from Terry's or a KitKat from Rowntree Nestl.

Both are only one mile away from where I live - and available every day and night of the year!

Dale Minks,

Ancress Walk,

York.

Updated: 09:53 Saturday, August 16, 2003