I suggested that after the Scottish independence vote, maybe Yorkshire could have the chance to opt out of the United Kingdom and become the Republic Yorkshire.

Reader Graham Beaumont was all in favour and said I would make a fine King Denis. Good judge of character, Graham.

When I researched the position, I discovered there had only been one previous King Denis and that had been in Portugal 800 years ago.

Not so, another reader told me when he stopped me during my early morning walk.

“There was King Denis who came from Scotland,” he said.

“For a time he even lived in Huddersfield before going to Italy. When he returned, he became King of Old Trafford.”

Of course, Denis Law, one of the finest strikers of his and anybody else’s era, played for Town and Torino before becoming a legend for Manchester United where he was known as The King.

I did point out to Graham that as a republic, Yorkshire wouldn’t have a king so I volunteered to be president. Graham was agreeable.

And, being a true Yorkshireman, he added: “Nah then, I’ve just read this column in t’paper an’ I see tha’s used my email.

“To see mah words so expertly soan togither ba thee is reet grand.

“Talking of which, tha can pay t’royalty cheque into my bank account, c/o Swiss Banking Gnomes, Zurich.”

A promissory note is on its way to Switzerland, Graham, payable in green cheese.