WE would not suggest for one moment that our Save Terry's campaign will reach anything other than a triumphant conclusion. But it is always best to plan for every eventuality.

Kate Lock thinks the same. She has a suggestion.

The author, whose memoir of her love affair with a murderer, Carrion Kisses, is selling well, believes the council should do a Hollywood deal.

In March we revealed that Nestl Rowntree's factory was being lined up as a location for a new film version of Charlie And The Chocolate Factory.

But Kate feels that councillors should lure Johnny Depp - due to play Willy Wonka - director Tim Burton and the rest of the film crew southwards.

"What the council needs to do is to persuade them to use Terry's instead," she said.

"It looks the part. Nestl doesn't have the same atmosphere." Meanwhile, Terry's should get behind the idea of turning the Bishopthorpe Road site into a celebration of confectionery.

The film would then "be a great boost to start off some sort of chocolate museum," Kate said.

"People love to come to these locations once the film's been made."

She is saddened by Terry's planned demise.

"I have lived in three places in York. I love it that when you go out, there's often this wonderful smell of chocolate in the air." And if the filmmakers aren't too keen to switch locations, dare we suggest the council offers them a sweetener..?

FURTHER to the Diary's appeal on Monday for cine film of Judi Dench in her Mystery Plays appearances, a reader is in touch.

Like Judi, she was a member of the chorus in the first revived play cycle in 1951, and remembers it being filmed. Perhaps the Yorkshire Film Archive has the footage?

The archive, now based in a suite in the York St John's College building, does have film of the plays, confirms director Sue Howard.

"I know we have got Judi Dench's mum on it, because she did some of the costumes for the Mystery Plays."

She also has pictures from Dame Judi's old school, The Mount. But nothing of the Oscar winner herself.

Still, we have put TV producer Kenny Scott in touch, should he want this for his Channel Five programme Britain's Finest Actresses. And if you can help him out, his number is 0208 246 2048.

CUSTOMERS at that well-known hostelry the Crown & Cushion in Welburn, near Helmsley, were more than surprised when a swallow flew into the packed bar having entered through the kitchen window on Saturday morning.

The hapless bird fluttered and flapped around the astonished patrons whilst desperately trying to gain its freedom.

Step forward that well-known guitar-playing virtuoso, the Rt Hon Henry Howard.

Selflessly abandoning his pint and pipe, he scooped the bird deftly from above the pub's TV set and carried it outside to freedom and to the applause of onlookers.

YOU can't get better than a Kwik Fit fitter, the advert told us.

Just don't ask the master mechanics to make you a massive sign in York city centre.

A large billboard at their former Bootham home has helpfully informed thousands of motorists that Kwik Fit has moved to "Fosse Islands Road".

When it comes to spelling, it appears they're not the boys to trust...

Write to: The Diary, Chris Titley, The Evening Press, 76-86 Walmgate, York YO1 9YN

Email diary@ycp.co.uk

Telephone (01904) 653051 ext 337

Updated: 09:58 Wednesday, May 12, 2004