A SINGER-songwriter from York is a contender to fly the flag for Britain at the Eurovision Song Contest.

Alistair Griffin, 23, of Exhibition Square, hopes to follow in the footsteps of Bucks Fizz and Cliff Richard after his song, Fade Away, was shortlisted to be the UK's entry in Estonia.

Guitarist Alistair, a former student at York St John College, wrote the pop song with his musical partner, Stuart Hannah, who produced it on an eight-track in his bedroom.

It will be played on Radio Two during Terry Wogan's and Ken Bruce's morning shows, along with seven other contenders, between January 28 and January 31.

Listeners will be asked to vote for their favourite on February 1, between 9am and 10am, to whittle the shortlist down to four.

They will then perform live on television to decide on the UK entry.

"I've always written music," said Alistair, who honed his talent by busking in York city centre.

"I found out about the Song For Europe competition on the Internet, and thought I'd give it a go. I'm really happy with Fade Away - hopefully it has got a chance.

"The Eurovision has a really tacky image, but I see it as a great way to break into the music business."

Alistair is no stranger to the big stage after winning another competition to perform in front of 70,000 fans at last year's Party In The Park concert at Temple Newsam, Leeds.

"I shared a dressing room with Atomic Kitten," said Alistair. "It was brilliant to be among the stars."

Updated: 10:44 Wednesday, January 23, 2002