FORMER employees from York's Viking Hotel are planning a night of 1980s nostalgia, and they want their old colleagues to help.

The organisers, who worked at the North Street hotel during the decade of big hair and shoulder pads, are fulfilling a pledge made at the end of the 80s, when many of them were heading off for pastures new. They resolved to meet up again in ten years' time - and now, it's going to happen. Pam Sheppard, who at the time was known as Vickie the Viking, is one of the organisers.

She said: "We were sitting on a balcony, in 1988, and we made a promise to meet up again in ten years' time.

"We haven't quite got it right, because technically that was 13 years ago, but we are ready to do it nonetheless."

Pam has very fond memories of her time at the hotel, which is now known as the Viking Moat House. She said the employees were a "great bunch", who were always up for a good laugh. While some have kept in touch, others have drifted away, and so Pam is appealing for help in tracing them.

"The 80s were really good years for us," said Pam, who now lives in Leyburn.

"I ended up being called Vickie because we had several Pams. I've even named my daughter Vicki now.

"We saw the Minster fire, and the big floods, and we met important people. We also used to have a cheerleader squad for our pancake relay team.

"So, if anyone else out there worked at the Viking, we'd love them to get in touch."

The group is planning a reunion party, with a buffet and 80s themed disco, at the hotel in March. If you were part of the gang, ring Pam/Vickie on 07754 585134.

Updated: 09:41 Saturday, January 26, 2002