IT is a pity that the no-nonsense opinions of ex-Derby and Nottingham Forest manager Brian Clough do not extend to local government as well as to football -- given the admirable candour of his view of David Beckham's 'Mohican' hair-do.

Accusing the England captain of "looking like a yob," blunt Brian called Beckham's new look a "downright insult to one of the most prestigious posts in sport."

Hear! hear!

What then, I wonder, would someone as well aware as he is of the importance of appearance make of that of Hyndburn's new Mayor, Huncoat councillor Dave Parkins, who upon taking up the most prestigious post in the borough wore a dangling earring in addition to his chain of office?

I'm sure Brian would feel affronted. I do not know how many people in Hyndburn are. But I feel I should tell Coun Parkins that the earring and the chain clash -- not as items of ornament, but of what they stand for.

One stands for Hyndburn's first citizen and the representative of all its people; the other, in the mind of people like me, stands for something at quite at odds with that.

Perhaps, New Labour's image consultants will have a discreet word.