WHO better to turn to for an end-of-term report on the erstwhile BBC Director General Greg Dyke than his former university tutor?

And Graeme Moodie, founding professor of politics at York University, has nothing but praise for his ex-student.

Mr Dyke was taken on by the university to read politics as a mature student in 1971 with one grade E A level. He soon flourished.

"I remember he was what the Americans call a 'big wheel' on campus - someone that other people looked up to and was a figure among his contemporaries," said Prof Moodie, who lives in Heslington.

"He was a fair student without being academically brilliant. If he had been academically brilliant, he'd probably still be poor."

As for New Labour-supporting Greg's student politics, "one assumed that he was left rather than right. I don't believe he was ever a Young Conservative.

"He certainly wasn't a dedicated student Leftie, nothing that would make him too biased to hold a job such as Director General."

Prof Moodie isn't surprised by Mr Dyke's success, and believes that the full impact of the Dyke regime at the corporation has yet to be felt.

"I am absolutely sure that he was a great improvement on his predecessor, John Birt. Greg Dyke deserves a lot of credit for restoring what seemed to be some life in the place without dumbing down as some had feared."

Mr Dyke is due to take over as Chancellor of York University in August, and will be a good appointment, according to Prof Moodie.

"I just hope that no one in the university or outside thinks that the recent business means he should resign before he has taken up the job."

Prof Moodie also taught Labour firebrand Tony Banks and comedian Harry Enfield. His views on them to come.

CLEANERS at historic York pile Treasurer's House have high standards to live up to. Former owner Frank Green was obsessive about cleanliness.

A wealthy Victorian industrialist, Green restored the house to its present glory and then handed it over to the National Trust.

During his time as owner, he "used to steal to the kitchen while the servants slept and empty out drawers that weren't tidy enough," according to the spring edition of National Trust Magazine.

Among the signs he placed about the place was one insisting: "Accumulations must not be allowed in passages or cupboards."

Another read: "Notice. All workmen are requested to wear slippers while working in this house."

SEX is now available on the Diary desk. No, we are not following in Bill "Richard Gere" Hearld's footsteps with a gigolo-style fundraising campaign.

What we mean is the Haynes Sex Manual has arrived (out now, £12.99). Written by Dr Ian Banks, this contains everything you could wish to know about hanky-panky written in the no-nonsense style of Haynes' famous car manuals.

"As you would expect from Haynes, this manual contains detailed explanations of how the relevant parts work and fit together, what happens if they don't, and what you can do about it," it states.

"Besides helping you become a great lover, the manual will enable you to: maintain your tackle in optimum condition; prevent corrosion of vital parts...; and decide when to call in professional assistance."

That would be the very nice man from the AA, then. So which motors make the best passion wagons? More research is needed, and the Diary will report back.

SPOTTED on Tadcaster Road, York: a sign threatening roadworks from "9.15pm-4pm".

Write to: The Diary, Chris Titley, The Evening Press, 76-86 Walmgate, York YO1 9YN

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Updated: 10:08 Wednesday, February 04, 2004