EXACTLY four weeks ago, top York interior designers Peter and Joy Plaskitt asked for readers' help.

Outside their shop in Monkgate stands a large plastic container. Or rather an ex-container.

It used to contain something - a sapling planted there by City of York Council. A dearth of water and a surfeit of vandalism forced the sapling to be removed.

"It seems this tub will remain empty for the foreseeable future so how about running a competition on what to put in the pot?" Peter and Joy wrote.

"We will provide a bottle of champagne for the wittiest suggestion."

The good folk of York got thinking and soon entries were coming in. Mrs Cross wanted pansies and primroses. Stuart Sykes suggested micro swimming pools to replace the Barbican Centre.

Rebecca Boldry was keen on a 20-foot Christmas tree, while Ruth Wright wanted to tip the entire York council in the bin.

Paul Osbornes had two suggestions: a water feature where tree vandals could receive a public dunking; or a post pot where Monkgate residents could collect and sort post themselves.

The winner was also on a Royal Mail theme. "It would make a first class hot tub for distressed postmen," suggested Joyce Willey from Fulford. She was duly awarded the champagne.

"We liked Joyce Willey's suggestion because our postman is great and does a wonderful job in the face of an awful lot of flak from residents and businesses alike," Joy told the Diary.

"He is also very good looking so our female staff would be greatly cheered by the sight of him luxuriating in our hot tub every morning. And we would even take him tea and biscuits - and a towel on a tray!"

We don't have a picture of the pin-up postie, but computer whiz Mike Powell has created an image showing how Postman Pat might enjoy an al fresco dip.

Mike, the retired manager of University Central Hall, has lived in Monkgate for 31 years.

"Most attempts to improve our street by creating a lovely approach to Monk Bar and the city have met with a feeble response from York council, who seem to be more interested in the resident's parking scheme income than anything more positive," he said.

So if you see a group of posties dressed in nothing but their peaked caps frolicking in a steamed-up Monkgate, you'll know why.

Updated: 11:34 Friday, November 19, 2004