FORMER Spice Girl Mel C attracted York firefighters to her concert in the city last night - when she set off a fire alarm in her dressing room.

But the fire crews who attended The Barbican yesterday evening did not leave empty handed - the singer was happy to autograph their helmets.

Barbican manager Andrew Laslett said Mel was burning incense in her dressing room before the performance, setting off the alarm. He said 30 to 40 people had to be evacuated from the building.

Mr Laslett said: "It was quite funny when the fire brigade came out. They wouldn't leave until they got autographs."

Updated: 11:48 Wednesday, April 30, 2003