EVERY generation has its youth cults, from the Teddy Boys of the 1950s, and the hippies and peace protesters of the sixties, to the punks of the late seventies.

York researcher Jonathan Bonner has always been fascinated by the sub-cultures that the twentieth century has produced, and wants to create a Millennium exhibition based on them - seen through the eyes of the people of York.

His ultimate ambition is that his exhibition will form part of the Millennium Dome in London.

Now, he wants to hear from anyone in the York area who has ever been part of a youth cult, so whether you were a punk, hippy, environmental or poll-tax protester, raver, 1960s or 1970s football fan, or indeed are a 15-year-old Oasis fan in the 1990s, he wants your contributions.

"I've always had an interest in social history and what kinds of cultural groups each generation has thrown up. There's very little been written on it - it's all very academic and sociological - this will be far lighter", he said.

Mr Bonner is looking for people to write 300 words on their experiences: "I want people to describe what it was like to be a mod or whatever, what they would wear, the accessories, the places they would hang around in York, the music. Like a photograph in words."

He hopes people will also be able to find actual photographs of themselves then and now.

Mr Bonner, a nurse, admits to not having ever been in any such group himself - "though I've flirted with a couple of them".

He has already approached the Dome organisers about the project, but wants to put together an example to demonstrate to them what he has in mind.

"I've been to the Dome centre and tried to find out who's in charge, but nobody seemed to know, it's all very up in the air."

However, he feels the public has been overly negative about the Dome itself.

"I think it's something that could be a significant success, but it's crying out for people to get involved."

Anyone wanting to tell their story for posterity should contact Mr Bonner on 01904 642007 between 6.30pm and 7.30pm.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.