HERE'S a story that definitely shouldn't be buried.

A new study by Age Concern shows many people in York are in danger of having their dying wishes over-ridden.

The charity says 92 per cent of people in our city know whether they would prefer to be buried or cremated - but less than two per cent of the British public has made any arrangements.

As so few people pre-plan their funeral (a morbid thought, it must be said) many people's last wishes are not carried out.

Terry Cogan, of Age Concern York, said: "Planning in advance ensures people know their arrangements are settled and that their wishes are understood. Even personal choices such as selecting hymns for the service, preferred flowers, and the route for the cortege can be arranged.

"Pre-planning can relieve the organisational burdens and stresses from family and loved ones when the time comes, as well as help avoid unnecessary financial distress during a particularly difficult time."

According to Age Concern, 55 per cent of people in York would like to be cremated, and 37 per cent buried.

Whether the remaining eight per cent have not decided, or simply don't want to die, we can only guess.

Scratching the surface of ban

SMOKING-BAN anecdotes continue to pour in.

We recently told how one of The Press reporters thought he had stumbled on some live news when he saw a large crowd in Bootham, only to find it was a crowd of smokers enjoying a puff outside the Clifton bingo hall.

A friend of The Diary now tells us of one apparent downside of the ban. "My wife used to stay at home when I went to the pub, because she didn't like the smoke," he tells us. "But now she wants to come with me."

Meanwhile, according to one new survey, young mums are among the most likely people to prop up the new smoke-free bar, with 98 per cent saying the change in law will persuade them to visit the pub more.

The research, conducted by an insurance firm, suggests that while the next generation may grow up with clean lungs, they may have an unhealthy affinity for the smell of beer and pork scratchings.

Puzzling choice sparks delight

AN ESTEEMED York building has gained national fame among puzzle-fans.

Readers of one national newspaper were greeted with this crossword clue at the weekend: "_______ House; Georgian townhouse in York, now the home of a collection of fine period furniture (7)".

The answer, of course, was Fairfax, and Peter Brown, director at the house, said he was delighted it had been selected by the puzzlers.