Vocal campaigning is to be turned up after a bizarre election challenge laid down by York Loony Eddie Vee.

The man for the Official Monster Raving Loony Party, known for his Elvis Presley impersonations, has asked every candidate in the city to compete on his home turf - behind a microphone.

The politicians would be asked to give a refrain of their favourite tunes, while listeners vote on who should take the plaudit of York's finest political voice.

Although the plan is to have the songs belted out in front of an audience at a Hustings meeting in York College on Monday, Radio York have joined the challenge by offering to record the songs and play them to a city-wide audience.

And all the candidates look likely to take part - although few are holding too much hope of victory.

Conservative Michael McIntyre said: "I can't sing to save my life, never mind my election deposit, but I'm willing to do it."

While Labour man Hugh Bayley said: "The last time I sang on Radio York, the audience was halved for a week.

"Singing's not my greatest of talents, but I would give it serious consideration so long as I can get enough ear plugs for my supporters."

Liberal Democrat Andrew Waller has more hope of victory.

"I thought Eddie was winding me up, but yes I'll do it," he said.

"I've got years of experience singing in church choirs, so I've got no problem doing this."

And Bill Shaw of the Green Party is keen to exercise his vocal chords, despite his own admission that its not going to be nice to listen to.

"I'm thinking of what to sing,"he said.

"I could do Hi-Ho Silver Lining, or maybe Hey Jude, but I am a bit flat. I don't think people will enjoy it."

Socialist Alliance candidate Frank Ormston said: "My favourite music is opera, but I certainly won't be singing that."

Only Richard Bate from the UK Independence Party seems unsure.

"I thought Eddie was joking," he said.

"I will have to check."

* Most candidates are still trying to think of which songs they will turn their musical talents to.

Conservative Michael McIntyre could do worse than choose the Beatles' classic Get Back, or maybe Madonna's True Blue, while old favourite Tie a Yellow Ribbon could be performed by Liberal Democrat Andrew Waller.

UK Independence man Richard Bate could sing the National Anthem or Kate Bush's England My Lionheart, while Frank Ormston could perform the socialist favourite Red Flag.

Green Bill Shaw could sing It's a Wonderful World, while Labour's Hugh Bayley might choose The Lady in Red.

Eddie Vee could choose Out of the Asylum by King Diamond, while all would have a back-up song - Alice Cooper's I Want To Be Elected.

Updated: 09:01 Friday, June 01, 2001