YOU know that advert for Sheila’s Wheels? The one with the three pink-clad Australian ladies claiming “women make the safest drivers”?

Well, it’s always baffled Diary as to how the Sheilas in question can make this proud boast while sitting in the back seat, flinging their arms in the air and letting a kangaroo drive. That’ll look great on the accident claim forms.

Anyway, the car insurance company has diversified from wacky advertising campaigns to assessing the most inspiring women in the UK – and has presented York’s very own Dame Judi Dench with a suitably high ranking.

The Heworth-born actress has taken third place in a poll of the greatest female icons, trailing behind JK Rowling and the Queen.

Margaret Thatcher – the mind boggles – secures fourth spot, followed by new First Lady Michelle “nice dress and isn’t she good with the kids?” Obama, round-the-world yachtswoman Ellen McArthur, Dame Judi’s fellow thesp Julie Walters and diminutive Aussie songstress Kylie Minogue.

Bet none of them would let a wallaby anywhere near the wheel. Meanwhile, Kate Moss, Britney Spears and Keira Knightly all vie for the title of “least inspiring women”.