IT'S been a busy weekend for York's Ghostfinder General Rachel Lacy.

We are not sure if the spirits are restless but Rachel certainly has been, recording pieces for two of the spooky telly shows centring on York.

For Derek Acorah's Ghost Towns Live on Living TV from Friday, she has been investigating the local history behind some of the city's legendary ghost stories.

After several years of digging (not literally, we hasten to add) Rachel can shed new light on the headless ghost said to haunt Holy Trinity Church, Goodramgate. It is not, she says, the 16th century Catholic rebel Thomas Percy as is popularly believed.

His treachery ensured a separation of body from head, with the former buried and the latter spiked on Micklegate Bar. The body, Rachel says, was interred at St Crux's Church - and now she is sure the head was taken to his widow in France. What a lovely gift.

Of one thing she is certain: it never went to Holy Trinity. So who the nogginless phantom who wanders the place is is anybody's guess.

Meanwhile, for Britain's Psychic Challenge, Rachel will be going head-to-head with another notable York history buff, Roman ghost tour guide Keith Mulhearn.

In this Five production, Trisha Goddard chucks psychics into old buildings to test their third eyesight. For the York show, they will be poured into one of York's oldest pubs, Ye Olde Starre on Stonegate: but will they pick up on its civil war connections?

Back then it was used as a makeshift hospital for wounded soldiers. Keith argues it was the cellar which was turned in to Emergency Ward 1644, whereas Rachel is convinced that other parts of the pub were used.

Tune in to these shows at the weekend to learn more.

TO the woman who was approached by an Evening Press newshound at the Reflex 80s bar last week, we must apologise - and compliment you on a smashing right hook.

After generously toasting a colleague at her leaving do, our man went for a few more jars and a jive at the George Hudson Street venue.

Unfortunately, he staggered a little too close to a woman who was not keen to have her dance steps disrupted. Without hesitation she unleashed a fist of fury.

This sent the hapless hack hurling backwards on to the revolving dancefloor. There he lay, prostrate and concussed for several rotations to the amusement of onlookers.

And the song that was playing? You Spin Me Round...

WHAT you wished you'd known when they were still alive. Reading the obituary columns last week, the Diary learned that John Webster was educated at St Peter's School, York. Who's he? Only the advertising guru who invented the Cadbury's Smash robots, and the Sugar Puffs Honey Monster.

AN email drops in our inbox, with the subject line: Top Tips On How To Resign Effectively. Should we be worried that it was forwarded to us by the editor?

Updated: 11:38 Monday, January 23, 2006