We turn, with some relief, to one of York's more inspiring daughters. She is an Oscar winner, she has a street named after her in her home town, and she is the only woman that can keep James Bond in line - at least, some of the time.

Now experts have identified one of the reasons why Dame Judi Dench is such a successful actress: apparently, she has the perfect voice.

Her tones inspire confidence and trust, she speaks at exactly the right speed and even the gaps she leaves between words are pretty near spot-on, according to a formula laid down by scientists at Sheffield University.

When it comes to the armoury of stardom, Dame Judi's voice is the perfect weapon. We bet 007 would approve.