BUDDING tycoon David Barratt (pictured) has passed go and is now preparing for a board meeting on Saturday (July 31) when the dice starts to roll at the English Monopoly Championships, in Leeds.

David, who lives in Devonshire Road, Blackpool, will brush off his top hat to buy and build against 33 other wheeler-dealers, keen to secure the title and trophy.

David, 40, is quadriplegic, but despite this he has been a keen Monopoly fan for as long as he can remember.

He said: "I was dead chuffed when the CD came out for the computer and I can easily beat a machine, but the lads are coming round to give me some practise against real people.

"It's fantastic to be chosen and I'll be taking a helper to Leeds, but I'll be giving all the instructions. It's quite daunting but I'm very excited. I can't wait." So, does David have any secret tactics to avoid going to jail and take full advantage of the Community Chest? He likes to use the car piece, which means he can take full advantage of the free parking, but he was keeping his moves under wraps, only revealing: "I have some favourite properties and like to build hotels to ensure the most value."

For the first time in its 27-year history the competition will be played with real money.

Property deals will be conducted in crisp £50, £20 and £10 notes and real-life tellers from Yorkshire Bank will be taking on the role of banker to ensure there is no underhand dealing.

David thinks the use of real money is fantastic and said: "It'll make it seem very real."

David is also an unassuming chap. When asked how he would feel if he won the title he simply said: "Like I was not worthy."

The winner of the England final will go forward to the UK Championships in London in November.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.