HAVE you heard the one about the town crier and the comedy TV show? You soon will, when one of York's most familiar faces appears on your screen.

The city's veteran town crier John Redpath is to battle it out with comics from across the north as part of a new television talent show.

The 56-year-old will compete for a £5,000 prize as well as a shot at stardom with a chance to make his very own TV show.

John, who has worked as York's street spokesman for more than 11 years, said he has been practising his gags on the public.

"As I'm walking around York people often come up to me and I practise my jokes on them and they give me new ideas," he said.

John qualified for the show at an event at Harrogate's Hyena Comedy Club, and has honed his stand-up show at pubs and bars across York over the past 20 years.

Stand Up Britain will appear on Yorkshire Television at 11.30pm on Friday, October 4.

Updated: 15:01 Thursday, August 29, 2002