LONG-SERVING ice cream man Alf Douglass is hoping to win a competition to find the nation's best ice cream man.

Alf, of Tadcaster, has become a familiar face to children in the Acomb, Dringhouses and Chapelfields area of York over the last 43 years, selling ice creams from his Tadcaster Ices van to the tune of Nellie The Elephant.

Now he has entered a competition, run by The Ice Cream Association, in which his customers can vote for him to claim the title of Mobiler of the Year, and be in with a chance of winning a years supply of ice cream.

Alf, still affectionately known as Curly, from his earlier days in the business when he traded under the name of Curly Top, has personalised his service to suit kids, mums, dads and even grandparents.

New babies get their first ice creams for free, and birthday boys and girls are given a free cone to the tune of Happy Birthday.

A bride recently walked out of the church to Alf playing Here Comes The Bride, to substitute the church bells.

Alf said: "The kids are what makes it all worthwhile. Sometimes when you go out feeling a bit down and one of the little ones turn round and starts waving, it really cheers me up."

To vote, ask Alf for a special voting form or visit www.ice-cream.org

Updated: 10:29 Tuesday, September 30, 2003