THE new year isn't half flying by. We're barely out of January, and it's already almost Lent.

But what should the people of York give up this year? A quick straw-poll of reporters here at The Press found few were taking part at all - perhaps they've given up willpower?

One hack managed to give up beer and meat last year, and this year has vowed to give up moaning, which should be interesting, but few others seem game.

But what about the great and the good of the city? Our esteemed archbishop, Dr John Sentamu has declared that he is going vegan - a commendable effort - but we want your suggestions for other York luminaries. Send them to the usual address.

Today, of course, is pancake day - the day when, traditionally, one would use up ingredients such as eggs and milk before the onset of Lent.

We at The Diary like a good pancake as much as anyone. But we can't help feeling that pancake day is always something of an anticlimax. We don't know why - but it always seems to fall a bit flat.