IT'S been around since about 400BC but the return of the yo-yo - which, according to retailers, has become this summer's top-selling toy - proves that kids' crazes come round and round over the years.

For while older readers may remember a yo-yo fad flaring in the late 1920s, those a bit younger may also recall a rage for them in the 1950s.

But though some of the country's schools have banned yo-yos for fear children may get hurt, 43 years ago lessons in how to be a yo-yo champ were actually on the timetable for pupils in Blackburn.

In town in 1955 was one Billy Panama, described as "the US yo-yo player," who was on the look-out for under-18 talent to qualify for a nationwide contest.

And as well as visiting schools to teach yo-yo skills, during his week-long whirl in Blackburn he also staged nightly competitions at the town's Majestic Cinema - nowadays the Apollo complex.

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