ALWAYS interesting, to see how others see us.

After reading in last night's Evening Press that York was considered a place of "extraordinary cultural and historic wealth" by the authors of the Lonely Planet guide to Great Britain, the Diary couldn't resist learning more.

The brick-like tome (£16.99) devotes ten pages to our city (or about one per cent), mostly praising it to the leaden skies. This is the place, we read, where "medieval charm meets modern savvy" - tourist bosses could not wish for a better poster-line.

But amid the roses, a few stones are pelted our way too. While the Castle Museum and the National Railway Museum are championed, Lonely Planet is less taken by Jorvik: "It is a bit of fun (for kids at least) but, except for the collection of actual artefacts scattered throughout, not altogether that fascinating."

This follows the verdict in last year's guide to Britain's Best Museums And Galleries which characterised the multi-million pound Coppergate attraction as a "shadow puppet show".

We were particularly taken with their description of Shambles, which "hints at what a medieval street might have looked like if it was overrun with people told they have to buy something silly and superfluous and be back on the tour bus in 15 minutes".

Readers also learn that the Judges Lodging Hotel boasts "very tasteful rooms - despite one with a Queen Mother theme".

Most of the watering holes suggested are of the old and traditional type, and away from Ousegate and Micklegate, an area which "has gone from moribund to mental, especially at weekends".

The Ackhorne on St Martin's Lane may be close to Micklegate but "this locals' inn is as comfortable as old slippers. Some of the old guys here look like they've morphed with the place."

The real treat for shoppers are the bookshops, suggests the guide, although it gets the names wrong for two of the three mentioned: Jack Duncan Books is now Fossgate Books, and they added an extra 'l' to Ken Spelman's on Micklegate.

For entertainment, York has two good theatres and a "fairly interesting cinema". But "as far as clubs are concerned, forget it: historic York is best enjoyed without them".

KEN Holmes, whose dog Jack took the coveted Evening Press Pet Idol award, has written to say thank you to all concerned tonight. Our photograph on the letters page shows Mr Holmes and pooch seconds before disaster. Making a dash for freedom, the Jack Russell collided with the glass trophy, which shattered on impact with the floor.

Arrangements are now being made to get a replacement to Mr Holmes, who reserves particular praise for photographer Frank Dwyer in his letter.

Frank has a chequered history when it comes to photographing the Cliffe horse dentist. During his previous encounter with Ken and his menagerie a dog (not Jack) bit him on the foot.

EVEN as leading organiser of the Republican Ascot campaign, the Diary is pleased to see the Queen making the effort to come here for Royal Ascot.

Brenda is setting an important example to those southern stay-away snobs. "Londoners have heard of The North, but few feel it's worth seeing if it actually exists," reported the Sunday Times at the weekend. "The city always empties for Royal Ascot, but this year's move to York isn't proving a success. Royal box tickets, usually obtainable only with a substantial family tree, are, I'm told, now being given away."

Updated: 09:29 Wednesday, May 25, 2005