RECORD-BREAKING numbers of residents enjoyed the red carpet treatment at York's tourist attractions during the 2005 Residents' First Weekend.

Official figures reveal that thousands of locals flocked to the city's tourist attractions on January 29 and 30, making it the biggest turnout in the event's history.

Fifty of the city's museums, tours and attractions opened their doors or provided their services free of charge to local people, to show them what attracts four million tourists a year to York.

The weekend also acts as a thank-you to residents for welcoming visitors. The tourism industry brings almost £300 million a year to York and helps to create more than 9,000 jobs.

York Castle Museum welcomed 2,124 visitors, and neighbouring Clifford's Tower played host to 1,630 people.

Almost 1,500 residents went through the doors of Barley Hall, while 300 were spooked on a ghost walk and 1,800 enjoyed a river trip with YorkBoat.

The Evening Press opened its doors to the public to show people how the newspaper is produced each day, with deputy editor Bill Hearld showing tours around the headquarters in Walmgate.

The Residents' First Weekend was organised by City of York Council with the help of partners including the Evening Press, Your LocalLink, the Max DP, Costcutter, Superbreak and the city's tourism partnership.

A City of York Council spokeswoman said: "A rough calculation estimates that this year was the best Residents' First Weekend, with about 40,000 residents taking part over the two days."

Residents' First Weekend 2006 will take place on January 28 to 29.

Updated: 11:36 Tuesday, February 15, 2005