IN the last few months we have seen changes in children's activities. Conkers are far too dangerous, skipping ropes are taboo and as for football on the schoolyard - out of the question.

Sports days are fraught with danger and yet in the next few days we will allow our children to use explosives - some of them strong enough to take off a child's finger. Many eyes will be damaged and all in the name of Bonfire Night.

Organised displays are fine, but to let youngsters loose with these is sheer madness.

JOHN DICKINSON, Cherry Tree, Blackburn.