PRANKSTERS have given people waiting at a York bus stop a bit of a chuckle by getting creative with the lettering on a sign outside a building site.

Work on the former FR Stubbs Ironmongers building, in Fossgate, by Osbaldwick-based contractors, Simpson (York) Ltd, has caused many passers-by to stop and watch as the ambitious £8 million scheme, which includes a restaurant, 18 apartments and a major retail unit, takes place.

But onlookers have been stopping and staring for a different reason this week.

The email address on the developers' sign on the Merchantgate side of the site, next to a bus stop, has been adapted so that www.simpsonyork.com now reads www.im so horny.

Out of sheer curiosity, coupled with the need to leave no stone unturned when researching a story, one enthusiastic reporter tried to log on to the newly recommended site.

Our valiant attempt to bring readers the full story in this manner failed, but whether that was because the site does not exist or because we're blocked from looking at naughty websites in the office is as yet unknown. But if we find out we'll be sure to let you know.

Katie Park, 18, who was waiting for the number 10 bus, had a chuckle when the sign was pointed out to her.

She said: "I hadn't noticed it before, but I think it's quite funny. It's just someone having a bit of harmless fun, isn't it? And it has probably brought a smile to a few faces."

As she was admiring the sign a group of lads whizzed by on bikes. They noticed the adapted email address, and greeted it with guffaws and shouts of "Quality!".

But Barney Wood, 67, who was also waiting at the bus stop, was less amused.

He said: "Some people might find it quite offensive. I think it's quite juvenile."

He has a point, but what does that say about the three members of our team at The Press, who were tickled pink when they noticed the sign on their way to the pub on Friday night?


RECYCLE, recycle, recycle this well-worn mantra rings out throughout schools, offices and on the pages of our newspaper as we try to reduce the impact of our very existence on this planet.

The latest call to curb climate change comes from Alupro - the Aluminium Packaging Recycling Organisation - with its Trees for the UK, Trees for Africa appeal.

"Recycle Now" beckons the news release which landed on The Press newsdesk this week, which highlights that for every tonne of aluminium recycled one tree will be given to Africa to tackle climate change.

"Recycling saves 95 per cent of the energy needed to make it from the raw material and with recycled cans often back on the shelf in just six weeks, the energy savings quickly grow," stresses the press statement.

"Recycle Now" repeats the next news release to be opened that day which ironically came from the same organisation and is an exact replica as the first.

Perhaps some of the eco campaigners should practice what they preach and not post out carbon copy press statements, particularly in this era of email, where no paper is necessary at all.