The editor of a local newspaper has chosen a song that reminds him of his late father to be played on a special radio show to mark 70 years of BBC Radio Four’s Desert Island Discs.

Selby Times editor Chris Page submitted the 70s hit Make Me Smile (Come up and see me) by Steve Harley to be included in a show to mark the occasion.

At midday on 29 January every BBC station in the country will simultaneously broadcast their own editions of Your Desert Island Discs.

The idea of the programme is that people are asked to come up with a song that means something to them which they would choose if they were stranded on a desert island. Producer of Radio York Trisha Cooper told Chris his choice would make a great contribution.

Chris used to go to Steve Harley gigs in York with his dad Harry who later suffered a series of strokes and died.

The song is significant for Chris as it was played at his father’s funeral.

Said Chris: “His ‘We’ve done it all’ death-bed take on Make Me Smile’s opening line summed up succinctly a best mate solid bond shared throughout our lives. His at an untimely end, the song seemed a natural epitaph.”

He added that when the singer returned to York in December it brought back memories of his dad.

Said Chris: “Memories flooded back. Come the obvious encore, I came up to see Harley. Wiping away a tear, it did indeed make me smile. Again.”

Harry Page also had a local beer named after him.