A ROYAL birthday was marked by a huge display of military firepower from three of the city's canons.

Prince Charles's 66th birthday was announced by the impressive salute in the Museum Gardens, and was also used to celebrate the retirement of Major Chad Fowler, 64, who has organised 50 such events in the city.

He was escorted by Brigadier Greville Bibby CBE, the Commander 15 (North East) Brigade, during his inspection of the saluting troop of 4th Regiment Royal Artillery normally based at Topcliffe, near Thirsk.

Major Fowler is retiring as the Second-in-Command at York Garrison and has served 45 years in the Army, which began with a medical in Imphal Barracks in 1969.

He has been the York Garrison Staff Officer for nine years and has been responsible for organising and advising on many of the major events seen in the city, including the Welcome home parades when 4 Mechanized Brigade returned from Afghanistan, dozens of Freedom parades and Remembrance parades.

He said: "I have organised 50 Royal Salutes over the years and I feel privileged to be the inspecting officer at my 51st and last."