THIS has been a week for controversial characters, with Jeremy Clarkson fired by the BBC and Nigel Farage forced to flee his local pub by anti-Ukip protesters.

But these two pale into insignificance when compared to one of this country's most pilloried figures.

Throughout history, Richard III has been accused of misdemeanours, and the last Yorkist King even courted controversy from the grave with York and Leicester fighting over where his recently found remains should be re-interred.

But the day has arrived for these two cities to end their differences. Fitting ceremonies are planned in both locations, including a choral evensong at the Minster, followed by a procession across the city centre as the Plantagenet king is reinterred in Leicester cathedral.

Yorkshire will also be well represented at the service as the lead-lined coffin is laid to rest in a tomb made of Swaledale stone, while an anthem by York composer Dr Philip Moore will be played during the proceedings.

It's been a long time since most people had a good word to say about Richard III. May he finally rest in peace.