DAME Janet Baker is stepping down as Chancellor of the University of York and the hunt is on for her successor.

According to scamp-like rumours reported in the national press, one possibility might be Hunter the Gladiator, otherwise known as James Crossley.

While Hunter may lack the necessary intellectual gravitas, other suggestions, include BBC boss Greg Dyke and comedian Harry Enfield, both graduates of the university.

Dame Judi Dench gets an inevitable mention too, which suggests a theme.

With one dame going and another put forward, how about an entirely different sort of dame. Step forward Berwick Kaler, newly graced with an honorary degree from the university. Now there's a dame to conjure with.

Updated: 11:49 Monday, April 07, 2003