HAIL to Maximus Gluteus, otherwise known as Keith Mulhearn and his Roam'in Tours of York.

What began five years ago as a one-man tour guide service for the city dressed in Roman garb has evolved into an educational, event-organising attraction, with a small legion of volunteers at his command.

On the way, Roam'in Tours acquired a few laurels, notably the York Tourism Ambassador Award last year.

Now Keith is appealing to friends, countrymen and judges to award him the Evening Press Small Business of the Year title as well as the accolade of Best Business and Education Link.

Keith had always taken school pupils on tours of Roman York, but his education link deepened when he took on the full time running of the Eboracum Legion Bathhouse, the museum under the Roman Bath pub in St Sampson's Square.

His small legion of volunteers helped him to transform the premises so he could offer a full education package for schools, including a visit there as well as a tour around the city with a legionnaire.

The City of York Council helped him to market his idea by distributing his leaflets to schools for free and advising him on a lottery bid.

Then he formed The Lost Legion, the nickname for the 9th Legion founded York in 71AD before mysteriously disappearing.

It is hoped the group will receive money to buy more educational equipment in order to go into schools and set up a living history "camp".

His volunteer soldiers helped him to organise his own Roman Festival in July, now set to be an annual event.

Keith also launched a regular and popular "turn up" Roman soldier tour where people do not have to pre-book.

Updated: 11:16 Friday, September 03, 2004