ANYONE wish they could fly like a bird?

Well, you could get the next best thing with York RL Club and fly like a Wasp.

The RL Premiership outfit are seeking a new Wobby the Wasp, or even a swarm of new Wobby the Wasps, to lead out the team on matchdays and get the crowd going.

The club are looking for people to don the Evening Press-sponsored mascot's waspish garb for this forthcoming season, to go to home and/or away games, although any Wobby wannabes will not have to be the mascot at all matches as the club expect duties to be shared during the campaign.

Furthermore, anyone who takes on the role may get the chance to attend mascot events - such as the Mascot Derby and television appearances - made famous by the likes of York City's loveable rogue, Yorkie the Lion.

The post of mascot is not the only matchday vacancy the club want to fill.

The Wasps need an experienced cameraman to video matches, an important role as tapes of incidents may have to be sent to the Rugby Football League for judgement.

Chris Thompson, who has been the video-man for six years, can no longer do the job because of family commitments.

The club need an assistant timekeeper to back up John Thorpe, who had been assistant to the late John Page last season.

And a tannoy announcer/scoreboard man is required to work alongside current announcer Gary Hall. Programme sellers are also required.

Anyone interested in being a mascot or filling any of the vacant posts should asked to contact the club office on 01904 634636.

Meanwhile, the deadline for tickets for the last event of club stalwart Alan Pallister's testimonial year is looming.

As reported in the Evening Press, the hooker is coming towards the end of his testimonial year and in a final fling to boost his coffers the Wasps are organising a three-course dinner with entertainment, to be held on Thursday, October 25 at Huntington Stadium, starting at about 7.30pm.

The guests will include well-known after dinner speaker David Kendall, who is a big Wasps fan, and there will also be an auction of various sporting goodies.

Tickets, priced £15, can be purchased through the club by phoning York (01904) 634636. However, they must be bought by Tuesday, October 23.

Many items have been donated to be auctioned off on the night, though if anyone is unable to be there but wishes to make a bid for one or more of the items they should contact Michael Chatten on 07703 344 306.

Likewise should anyone or any company wish to donate any items then should also contact Chatten, who has a list of the items to go under the hammer.

Updated: 10:35 Saturday, October 20, 2001