IMAGE is everything these days, especially in politics. That could put Christine Cranfield in something of a pickle.

After quitting Clifton Without parish council last week, Christine announced her intention to stand for Parliament. But her work selling sex videos might count against her among more sensitive parts of the electorate.

What Christine needs is a makeover. Her customers prefer her with nothing on. But what should she wear to impress all the other voters?

Step forward the Diary's fashion correspondent and seasoned politician Anne McIntosh.

The Vale of York MP has simple advice for any woman stepping on to the election campaign trail.

"I would say to any Parliamentary candidate who wants to be an MP to dress the part and respect the office you want to win.

"On occasion you would be expected to dress down - as an observer at a football or rugby match for example.

"For the campaign, you would need to wear something that's practical, bearing in mind you can be photographed at any time." Christine is used to being in front of the cameras, of course.

"Women can dress a little bit more distinctively, something that's really classy and stylish which needn't cost the earth," Anne adds.

"You will get noticed and look smart. But nothing too provocative or sexy."

You're almost there, Christine.

SIT down, this may come as a shock. The Diary got something right.

Last Wednesday, we reported a tip-off that Bryan McFadden had quit boy band Westlife "to launch his own pet project, a new boy band called Franklyn".

This news came to us from a York source who must remain anonymous to make them sound more enigmatic and exciting.

Yesterday, what should land on our desk but the Daily Mirror.

"The REAL reason why Bryan quit Westlife" it said. "He's managing new band tipped for big time."

Reporter Andy Rudd explained, under a laughable "Exclusive" tag, how Bryan "has been secretly managing rockers Franklin for the past year and plans to launch them on the music scene this summer".

Okay, so we spelled the name of the band wrong. But we were still first with the news. We can only apologise. If Lord Hutton is free, we want him to head an inquiry into what went wrong.

PROPERTY prices in York get worse. Admittedly the Victorian terraced house in Aldreth Grove, off Bishopthorpe Road, York, does boast three bedrooms, two reception rooms and a kitchen with a pantry.

But is it really worth the asking price as quoted in last Thursday's Property Press: £2,000,000?

And this while it is "in need of modernisation". Who knows what it'll cost when it is done up.

THE England team shocked the cricket world by skittling out the West Indies for just 47 runs in Jamaica at the weekend. Now the Diary can reveal their secret weapon: the Evening Press.

In drinks column Tipping's Tipples on Saturday, Mike Tipping sampled former cricket legend Ian Botham's new range of Aussie wine.

He wrote: "I suggest Michael Vaughan and his team find time for a glass or two. It might just bring them back to winning ways."

Clearly England captain Vaughan followed Mike's advice. Cheers!

SURVEY news. Young people in Yorkshire are the most patriotic of any age group, according to a survey by teen mag Bliss.

No fewer than 92 per cent are "proud to be British". But 42 per cent of them have broken the law.

So not that proud, then.

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: 10:02 Tuesday, March 16, 2004