FOR years John Redpath has had a bawl in York. Now our town crier could become a big noise on the world stage, thanks to his brother Alf.

Alf Redpath boasts a fair set of lungs himself: he honed them as a bingo caller in the glory days of the Rialto. After spending the previous nine years managing a bingo club in Cardiff, he returned to York to retire last summer.

Becoming bored, he set to work rejuvenating younger brother John's career and became his agent.

Alf, 62, has set up a website dedicated to promoting "the voice of Yorkshire" across the region and the world.

"With John, people tend to think he's assigned to York city council," Alf explained, "and of course he's not.

"Most town criers are employed by their local authority, whereas John's commercial. He's freelance."

From his home in Bachelor Hill, Acomb, Alf masterminds his brother's activities. The website - alfielad246.tripod.com - promotes John's versatility: "Services include Shout Offs and/or leaflet distribution. Greetings, personal appearances with celebrities. Opening stores etc. Virtually anything to help promote your business."

All for about £160 a day (price negotiable).

Alf is not earning anything from the venture. An experienced town crier himself from his Welsh days, he will even join his brother on a promotion in a sensational "two for the price of one" offer. Meanwhile, he is looking to replace John's tricorn hat. "It's becoming a bit discoloured," he said.

If any design students are interested in creating a new hat as a project, they are asked to contact Alf on (01904) 345341.

Potential sponsors should also get in touch. They could get even see their logo displayed on the tricorn - although Alf draws the line at turning John into the Michael Schumacher of town crying with logos covering his tunic and breeches.

So who is the louder of the Redpath brothers? Hear this: "John, I think. He laughs so loudly at his own jokes it's unbelievable."

FROM a press release: "Tom Dixon, Oliver Heath, Alice Rawsthorne, Nicholas Hytner, Fiona Shaw and Robert Elms are amongst the many celebrities taking part in Architecture Week 2004."

From the Sky TV press office: "Extreme-reality smash hit Celebrity Fear Factor is back for a second season... This year's victims include Sophie Anderton, Leilana Dowding and Lee Latchford-Evans."

Is there a new definition of the word "celebrity" which the Diary has missed?

SPOTTED last week in York: a group of bright young things. Clearly visible from the other side of the River Ouse were a party of children from the Lithwaite Ardron Memorial Primary School, Huddersfield. Their Day-Glo yellow caps made them unmissable.

"It is a method I think all schools should adopt," their group leader said. "We haven't lost a child yet."

Write to: The Diary, Chris Titley, The Evening Press, 76-86 Walmgate, York YO1 9YN

Email diary@ycp.co.uk

Telephone (01904) 653051 ext 337

Updated: 11:03 Tuesday, June 22, 2004