THE world has long laboured under the misconception that Yorkshire folk are a dour race, as reluctant to crack a smile as they are to open their wallets. Smashing that stereotype was one of the many achievements of the first York Comedy Festival.

The week long laugh-in was a great idea executed with the panache of Eddie Izzard and the timing of Billy Connolly. It put a new smile on the ancient face of York and delighted our visitors too.

We are tickled pink that it will be back next year, and thank the organisers for proving that this really is a funny old city.

Updated: 10:36 Tuesday, July 08, 2003