IS Tara Rose Black the youngest ever spectator at York Racecourse?

Less than 18 hours after being born at York Hospital, at 6lb 8oz, Rosie was in the stands on the Saturday Of Music Showcase Weekend lapping up the atmosphere at Knavesmire.

Although she may not have known much of what was going on, something shared by many punters who visit the racecourse bookies, Rosie is the next dynasty in a generation of horse watchers - being the granddaughter of veteran racecourse energiser John Sanderson.

Mum Jennifer and baby Rosie were obviously doing fine when they met up with York Racecourse chief executive William Derby, who handed over a congratulatory bottle of champagne.

Born at 10.31pm the day before, we think Rosie must be the youngest ever racegoer to grace York Racecourse's stands. But can you do better? Drop the Diary a line if you can.

A stark warning now for any York people planning to take a trip to London in the next couple of weeks.

A York woman took the picture below of a service information sign at Notting Hill station on the capital's underground network warning passengers of the dangers of looking "a bit foreign".

In the wake of the devastating terrorist attacks on July 7 and the aborted attacks on July 21, it seems a big coat, a rucksack and an unfamiliar tan is all it takes to bring you a great deal of unwanted heat from Her Majesty's Constabulary.

"This notice is for your own safety," the sign says. You have been warned.

Blindingly obvious statement of the week - the packaging of Boot's brand apple wedges in their Coney Street store: Ingredients? 100 per cent apple.

Bad news for any York homeowners who are suffering from problems with their electrics.

Apparently it's easier to find a date than an electrician, according to research from British Gas.

More than half the people questioned by the fuel giant said they had an easier time picking up a partner than finding someone to fiddle with their plugs.

The company says the research reveals there are just not enough qualified electricians to go around. The Diary thinks it's just our inquiries that are all wrong.

Why not try the personals? "Petite, vivacious home owner, gsoh, searching for the spark to flick my switch. Must have own tools. Age not important."

You can do better than this.

We've had a rather paltry response to our caption competition about a certain Mr and Mrs York. Frankly, I've laughed more while in the dentist's chair. Regular readers will remember the picture of a well-known city face with a Miss York beauty queen. So put your thinking caps on and make our sides ache with laughter.

Updated: 09:14 Thursday, August 04, 2005