WITH the possible exceptions of being a member of the armed forces, a lion tamer, Britney Spears' therapist or the manager of Newcastle United, there can be few more nerve-wracking duties than that of best man.

It may be an honour, but it's also invariably guaranteed to put the recipient through the emotional wringer - which is why a production company has come up with an alternative to compiling a speech with all the juiciest stories about the groom being left out, for fear they will lead to the divorce proceedings starting within days, if not hours.

Documentary specialist Ichikoo is offering a selection of bespoke wedding films, allowing the best man to record his pearls of wisdom to camera in advance, and have photographs, video clips and graphics inserted into a film to be played on the big day.

"Most people dread making a speech because it doesn't come naturally to them, so why do it?" said Ichikoo producer Tim Earl.

"A bespoke film can capture everything the speaker wants to say in a controlled environment before the event, ensuring nothing goes amiss such as nerves, intoxication or cat-got-your-tongue' syndrome.

"We've had a overwhelming response and think it will be a big hit in the spring and summer wedding season."

For more information, phone Ichikoo on 0207 485 0355, email film@ichikoo.com or log on to www.ichikooweddings.com But if you're determined to follow the traditional best man route, all Diary can suggest is steering clear of the booze, the Chubby Brown jokes and any reference to mothers-in-law.


RAF reunion is one call away

DIARY always likes to do its bit for its fellow man - or woman; this isn't the Dark Ages, after all - and so we are happy to help in a case of ships that pass in the night.

Well, trains that pass in the afternoon, really. A retired RAF pilot named Geoff Orde has asked us to assist in his attempts to track down a stranger who may be able him organise reunions of former personnel.

Mr Orde, from Riding Mill, Northumberland, was returning home from London on December 27 after a Christmas family visit, and while waiting for a train at King's Cross got chatting to a woman in the Duke of York pub who was travelling on the same service.

"She was very pleasant, and during our chat she mentioned knowing ex-RAF personnel in York who have started something that could help me in organising reunions, but unfortunately I didn't get her name before she left the train in York," said Mr Orde, whose 44-year RAF career saw him based at the Linton-on-Ouse and Leeming bases.

"I'm already the president of the 607 Squadron Association, which meets in Durham, and would like to organise a get-together of former personnel in the York area, so I really would like to speak to her and would be delighted if she would reply to this message."

Happy to oblige, Mr Orde. If you are the lady in question, please phone him on 01434 682233, or email him at geoffreyorde@btinternet.com