NO-ONE, it seems, is spooked by next month’s “Friday the 13th” date for the annual dinner of the York Society of Chartered Accountants at York Racecourse.

Society president John Butler, of Redman Nichols, said: “I am sure that the day and date will not prevent us from having an excellent evening – and if anyone is really anxious perhaps we can reserve a couple of lucky black cats to offset their concerns.”

Undaunted will be the speaker, well-known author, raconteur and wit Professor Gervase Phinn.

The professor taught in a range of schools for 14 years before becoming an education adviser and school inspector. He is now a freelance lecturer, broadcaster and writer, a consultant for the Open University, an honorary fellow of York St John University, doctor of letters both of the University of Leicester and the University of Hull and the fellow and visiting professor of education at the University of Teesside.

In 2005 the highest academic award of Sheffield Hallam University, Doctor of the University, was conferred upon him by the university chancellor.