WE all enjoy looking at pictures, so it is certain that any York resident who has yet to visit the wonderful York Art Gallery is really missing out.

You would have to be hard to please not to find something there to your liking. The only problem is there are so many pictures and so little space. It's all a bit overwhelming. You might be puzzled where to start.

Fortunately, the Friends of York Art Gallery have an answer. Every Wednesday lunch-time throughout the summer, a member will be on hand to welcome visitors and share with them the charm and delights of the gallery's long-accumulated treasures.

Rather less welcoming, our New Labour councillors, fearing to be tainted with the sin of old-fashioned socialism, have imposed an entrance fee on tourists and alien commuters. Bona fide residents are simply required to produce proof of identity.

The first talk of the summer season (no extra charge, of course) takes place tomorrow at 12.30. All are invited, even New Labour councillors. For their particular information, the gallery is that big building by the fountain in Exhibition Square.

William Dixon Smith,

Welland Rise,

Acomb, York.