THE Diary was disappointed to see that no local firms featured in the finalists to find Britain's Best Business Name.

Organised by Yellow Pages, the overall title went to a Bristol ironing firm called Crease Lightning, it was announced yesterday. The regional winner for Yorkshire was the Aire-based musical instrument shop Aire Guitars. Our personal favourite was a greengrocers in Birmingham called Melon Cauli.

But this prompted the Diary to search for well-named businesses in our own area.

A look through the yellow pages at the front of the York phone book turned up a disappointingly small number of punning titles.

Even those professions famous for their love of wordplay struggled. Shockingly we couldn't find a funny pet shop name, although Selby's Creature Comforts showed some imagination. El Passo from Market Weighton was the best driving school efforts (interestingly, the Streetwise School Of Motoring in Almsford Road, York, was listed under Diving Schools).

Hairdressers did better, with Hairport, Wains Grove, Hair Flicks, Tang Hall Lane and Beyond The Fringe, Beckfield Lane in York, and Uppercut in Selby.

Also in Selby you can try the Franglais interpreters and translators or the vermin experts Arrest-a-Pest.

The York epicentre for jokey names is Hull Road. On this thoroughfare you should find the chiropodist's Feet First; the Tassles & Tush dancing school and the sandwich shop Butter Fingers. Another sarnie emporium we liked the sound of was Goodfillas in Haxby Road. As for places to eat in, Swinegate's Caf Piglets deserves a mention.

Melrosegate removal service Andy Vans has a ring to it, as does the firm listed under soft furnishing manufacturers, Just Sew, of Fairway.

We also liked the picture framers Marginal Arts, of Blackthorn Drive, and the Copmanthorpe reflexology outfit First Impressions.

But the Diary's award for business name of the region goes to that found listed under the heading Astrologers, Clairvoyants and Palmists: well done to Kingsway North concern Above And Beyond.

What's your favourite, past or present? Let us know.

EARLIER this year Diary readers reunited a Home Guard certificate with its owner 60 years on. Now we have a new challenge.

Keith Cass, of Heworth Village, York, received an airmail letter addressed to "KR Cass or Occupier". It was from a Mrs Sheilagh Richardson, ne Price, who lives in Kommetjie, South Africa.

She writes: "During the Second World War our family, Price, who lived in Kommetjie, befriended a number of young Royal Navy men based at Simonstown.

"They worked as telegraphists at the radio station in Kommetjie and became good friends of our family.

"After their return to the UK we gradually lost contact with them, but have often wondered what became of them.

"One such was Tommy Cass of 10 Lucas Avenue, York. I also corresponded with his mother and sister Dot. He also had a brother Donald."

Her efforts to trace Tommy Cass, his relatives or friends have so far drawn a blank. Keith said his family did not serve in South Africa, so thought he would throw it open to Evening Press readers.

If you can help, please get in touch. As Mrs Richardson writes, "It would be so nice to hear from them after all these years."

Updated: 08:46 Tuesday, October 12, 2004