POLICE opted for a novel approach to punish yobs celebrating the new year in a particularly unpleasant way.

The streets of York thronged with partygoers on the approach to midnight and by 11.30pm a huge crowd had already gathered outside York Minster.

For most, the tolling of the midnight bells was accompanied by cheers and spontaneous renditions of Auld Lang Syne. However, one or two revellers decided to see in 2007 by urinating against the city's famous historic cathedral.

But rather than arresting those caught relieving themselves in public, or handing out on-the-spot fines to the offenders, officers went for the more practical approach of handing them a mop and bucket and making them clean up after themselves.

Police were praised by readers of The Press who were impressed by their "common sense" tactics in bringing the urinators to swift justice, while wishing a friendly happy new year to all those celebrating in a more hygienic manner as the Minster bells heralded the arrival of January 1, 2007.


DOES anyone recognise themselves (or their father) from this picture, below, believed to be people setting off on a fishing trip from York in the 1940s or 1950s. Eddie Mountain, who got the photograph from a car boot sale, believes it involves members of the Crescent Working Men's Club. If anyone knows who is in the picture, or where the trip was going, please phone Mike Laycock on 01904 567132, or email mike.laycock@ycp.co.uk