O2000 - How to stop it from autocompleting my signature?

[Mr B]

I have a signature setup with my Outlook 2000. It shows up autoamtically when I make a new message or reply to something

However, when I get to the bottom of what I'm typing and sign my name, I usually start it with a -- sign

e.g.

Thanks
--Mik

However, when I type that in and press Enter, Outlook things I want to insert my signature and it puts it in there even though it's alreay there

Is there some way I can make it not do that

Thanks
--Mike