COUNCIL engineers will be pulling out all the stops to carry out works on a York road - so much so that they will be going back in time.

The north-bound lane of Elvington Lane, the B1228, in Dunnington, will be closed due to road works under the Road Traffic Regulation Act.

But enthusiastic engineers have pledged to carry out the repairs within minus 27 days - or even quicker.

According to an email sent to The Press by City of York Council, the road will be closed for the duration of the works - which are expected to take place between Monday, January 29 and Friday, January 2, or "when the works have been completed - whichever is earlier".

The Diary wonders how the eager engineers are planning to carry out their time travel on the closed road, which will be shut from 100m south east of its junction with Hull Road.

Pedestrians will still have access so perhaps those on foot will get a glimpse of their time machine if they're quick enough.


A York Brewery Club member has picked up a major literary award.

Brian Thompson has won the biography section of the 2006 Costa Prize, formerly known as the Whitbread.

His wartime autobiography, Keeping Mum, was described by judges as the perfect antidote to the misery memoir'.

Ale lover Brian, a brewery club country member who lives in Oxford, cites York Brewery's Guzzler and Terrier among his favourite tipples.

He used to live at Huby, near Harrogate, and often pays a visit to the club when he's back in Yorkshire. A full-time writer of plays, novels and histories for more than 30 years, Brian received a cheque for £5,000.

He now goes on to the £25,000 "Champions League" stage of the Costa Prize, with the winners of four other categories: novel, first novel, poetry and children's book. The overall winner of the prize will be announced on Wednesday, February 7.