WHAT has Paul Barrett let himself in for? Today he effectively launched Busker Idol. In these audition-crazy times, we can imagine what will happen next.

The York city centre manager will be holed up in his office for days as a queue of hopefuls snake around Newgate.

Half a dozen Elvises (1970s vintage) will compete for singing spots with labradors who howl along to the EastEnders theme; a contortionist will squeeze herself into a demijohn while jugglers with flaming torches set the ceiling ablaze; and hordes of amateur musicians will attempt to pick out Streets Of London on everything from an alto-sax to a zither.

We offer Paul good luck - and a couple of paracetamol.

Updated: 11:32 Friday, November 19, 2004