BAD news for sports fans. Former boxer Mike Tyson might be reconsidering his trip to York.

We reported last week that the world's favourite ear-munching rapist would like nothing more than to tour our historic treasures.

But that was before the challenge.

York barber Terry Smith has announced he wants to take Tyson on in the ring, and is convinced he would win.

"I reckon I could beat him with my eyes closed and with one arm tied behind my back," said the reclusive snipper, who runs the Classic Cutz Barber Shop in Heworth.

"So if Iron Mike fancies his chances - not that he will because he knows I will beat him - you know where to contact me.

"Come on, if you think you're hard enough!"

Iron Mike vs Teasy Terry; Classic Cutz vs upper cuts: it is certainly a mouthwatering prospect.

Sadly, we believe Tyson will decline. For it is well known that the world's most destructive pugilist is afraid of nothing - except for suburban hairdressers.

HOWEVER, if the bout does come off, Terry will want to know what is the chink in Mike Tyson's armour? The answer comes from his own lips. "My biggest weakness," said the Baddest Man On The Planet earlier this year, "is my sensitivity".

BE a councillor for the day - that's the intriguing invitation on Selby District Council's website.

What does it mean? A chance to turn every traffic light in North Yorkshire green, perhaps?

Not quite. The site hosts a new online "citizenship game" called - with splendid hyperbole - Councillor Quest II. It is the brainchild of the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister. Disappointingly, however, the game does not allow you to go around punching protesters in the face like Mr Prescott.

Instead, players can choose one of four online personas. We picked bespectacled Councillor Sarah who "loves animals - but hates journalists with a passion". Sounds like our kind of politician.

Our first mission: to open a new shopping centre (presumably some great carbuncle overshadowing Clifford's Tower). Once there we are confronted by one of those hateful journalists, no doubt from the Evening Press, who demands to know "why the council has failed to create more local employment".

Naturally we react by "shouting that the question is stupid and unhelpful" - only to find ourselves being restrained by the police and losing 20 points.

Our last stop is the town hall for a weekly surgery. At last - a chance to inform worried residents they are being hoodwinked by bigots and the BNP, like real councillors do.

We end the game with a Lib Dem-like popularity rating of minus 40 - and no sign of the £82 daily allowance claimed by York's council leader.

RAISH a glash to Wethershpoonsh.

As reported elsewhere, the pub chain is doing its bit to combat binge drinking by restricting its two York pubs to a mere 17 hours' boozing time every Friday and Saturday.

Some might argue that this is too long, but it's only about half a Flintoff bender.

NOT everyone is entranced by York Minster's colourful new look. But one teenager approved.

Gazing at the illuminated West Front, she turned to her friend and said: "Oh look - a trippy Minster!"

Updated: 11:13 Thursday, November 03, 2005