>thanx for the reply
>but the variable a is a string variable....but still it gives error, can u check yourself giving a variable a string expression of more than 255 characters
>
>reply soon

Had something like this a few years ago. Haven't the system on this puter but I think:

Call the same prog with condition as a param for. The prog has a case statement that returns the colour string, depending on condition.

Hope I'm remembering this right. If no joy, or no soln., remind me and I'll check when I get home.
HTH

Terry

UPDATE: Ooops! Just seen that Tore has already given you the full soln. - and I remembered right :-)