SO Jeremy Clarkson's career as a Top Gear presenter is over after a fracas at Simonstone Hall.

Driving through Seaton Carew recently, Spectator was reminded of the John Darwin, who faked his death by pretending to down at sea while canoeing, by the adverts at resort town's Staincliffe Hotel for the Canoe Bar and the Darwin Room.

The proprietors of the Yorkshire Dales venue are surely beyond such shameless cashing in.

fracas fudge Sunday, all washed down with rum punch.

Lib Dem candidate

The resignation of Chris Foote-Wood as the Liberal Democrat candidate for the Richmond constituency may have come as a surprise to party members.

His replacement, however, was less of a shock. Spectator understands Mr Foote-Woods parting words to the D&S Times journalist who interviewed him prior to his departure being made public were along the lines of "John Harris will replace me". The long-standing party member contested Shipley at the last general election, coming third with 9,890 votes, which represented a swing of 4.8 per cent for the Liberal Democrats, and will relish the opportunity to fight his local seat.