Sir Cliff single banned in Radio 2 `purge of oldies'

SIR CLIFF Richard's new single has been left off the schedule of BBC Radio 2, which is trying to shed its "golden oldies" image.

"The Millennium Prayer", which sets the words of The Lord's Prayer to the tune of "Auld Lang Syne", is not on any of the three main playlists, although it is considered by many in the music industry a possible Christmas No 1. Only days ago Radio 2 hosted a live interview with Sir Cliff when the track was released.

Last year Sir Cliff had a spat with Virgin Radio after the broadcaster Chris Evans blacklisted him for being "too old".

Radio 2 has put artists such as Robbie Williams, Simply Red and the Eurythmics on its "A" list.

The pop veterans Sir Paul McCartney and Eric Clapton are on the "B" list.