YORK children are about to go clackers crackers with the revival of the '70s toy phenomenon.

Clackers, now known as Klik Klaks, are back; they've been selling well over the summer and are tipped to become a back-to-school craze.

And tomorrow York will host the first bout of a national hunt to find Britain's best performer.

The toys, two balls on string, reached their popularity peak back in 1971, but as 30 and 40-something parents remember, were banned in schools after a series of accidents.

This was because they were made with brittle plastic, which meant the balls could shatter dangerously.

At Acomb Secondary School, for example, the toy was banned in September 1971 after a girl injured her arm while playing with the toy. Roland Flint, of the E Precious toy shop in Petergate, told the Evening Press then that the shop had sold 200 of the toys in four days.

Today's manufacturers of Klik Klaks are keen to stress that 21st century clackers are made of "practically indestructable" material that doesn't chip or scratch.

And the new models, available in a rainbow of colours, are selling well in York and cost £5 each.

Barbara Potter, assistant manager of Toyworld Toymaster in King's Square, said: "We've sold quite a lot over the past few weeks and it's been building up over the summer.

"When we've been demonstrating them in the shop, people hear the noise and say 'I remember those' and buy them."

Toy guru Allan Sage, the man responsible for the clackers comeback, said: "Sales in York have been particularly strong which is why we've chosen this location to begin our search for a national champion.

"Kids have been clacking away with these things all summer, so we're confident that there's going to be some tough competition for the local title."

* The tournament will take place in King's Square from 11am tomorrow and the winner will be entered into the national Klik Klak final.

If memories of clackers are making you go all misty-eyed, here's some more nostalgia about what was in when clackers were top toys.

1971 Number Ones included:

* My Sweet Lord George Harrison (January 30)

* Hot Love T Rex (March 20)

* Get it On T Rex (July 24)

* Coz I Love You Slade (November 13)

1971 TV programmes

The Two Ronnies and The Liver Birds started this year, as did family favourite, The Generation Game and children's classic Banana Splits

1971 films to remember

* Get Carter

* Shaft

* Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory

Updated: 08:11 Thursday, August 23, 2001