A CROCODILE which went missing from its riverside resting place in York has been found.

Yesterday we reported how the carved wooden beast that sat by Millennium Bridge had gone absent without leave.

Local Green councillor Andy D'Agorne spotted the sculpture had disappeared sometime over the last fortnight - and launched a public appeal for it to be returned.

Now the Diary can reveal that the croc-seat - carved out of the trunk of a tree felled in nearby Rowntree Park - is safely ensconced in the council's Foss Islands Road depot.

Council officers rescued the reptile from a watery grave, after it was thrown in the River Ouse by yobs, and are now working to make it more secure when it returns.

Coun D'Agorne said: "I am pleased that it has been found, and I hope that it is going to be put in place a bit more securely in future.

"It was quite popular with kids and one of the features that proved an attraction in the area. It seems to have been fairly well received by most people."

A postscript to Diary's entry yesterday on the tough new anti-salesmen sign in the window of Walmgate guitar emporium Rock Ola.

Next to the hard-hitting notice advising unwanted salesmen they would be better not entering the shop at all, there is another sign.

"Opening times," it says. "10am to 5pm (or 1700 for spotters). Sundays - all customers are invited to join us at church .£1.50 a pint."

Shop co-owner Zak Heyes explains: "Being in bands, we're normally gigging on Sundays, which involves pubs and drinking."

See you in the pub then, Zak. Ours is a pint.

AN EasyJet stewardess with a sense of humour had holidaymakers chuckling during a recent flight from East Midlands Airport to Venice.

Press chief reporter Mike Laycock says she gave the customary warning to passengers not to smoke anywhere on board, including the toilets, and then added: "Anyone caught smoking will be asked to leave by the nearest exit."

Later, after the plane had landed, she revealed that: "Staff will be opening their drawers - sorry, doors."