UNUSUAL artists delighted shoppers on the streets of York as part of the preparation for the city's comedy festival.

Former York St John College students Matt Charnock, Taco Michaels and Peter Marshall form The Man Who street theatre company.

The trio performed their innovative street theatre in St Sampson's Square. It involves technology and cartoon-like images featuring characters including Umbrella Fella and Fountain Fella.

Matt said: "We offer something different, we're not just static statues but something inventive and different and the public like us because we're not intrusive.

"We don't ask for money, we're just about entertaining."

The group is one of 20 street theatre companies performing in St Sampson's Square during the York Comedy Festival which started today.

Tom Sharp, festival organiser, said: "Although we're only in our second year we've been overwhelmed by interest in the festival and the support we've received.

"We're aiming to make the most of York, see the best comedians and generally have a good time."

Gillian Cruddas, of York Tourism Bureau, said: "We hope the York festival will become a regular annual event in York's ever increasing festival calendar.

"We want to see the best comedians coming to York and we're positive the event will be a huge success."

Updated: 09:15 Saturday, June 05, 2004