HUNDREDS of clubbers were left standing in the pouring rain early today when the million pound relaunch of a York club was interrupted - by a fire alarm.

More than 700 revellers, including 300 VIP guests, were evacuated from The Gallery, in Clifford Street, at 12.20am following the rogue alarm.

Firefighters from neighbouring York Station, together with police officers, attended the incident.

The crowd were let back in ten minutes later - damp but not downhearted - to continue celebrating the club's plush £1 million refit .

It was the second police visit to the club in one evening, as Superintendent Tim Madgwick, York and Selby commander, had earlier presented general manager David Harrison with an Area Commander's Certificate of Appreciation.

Mr Harrison is the first licensee in the area to collect the plaudit, which is in honour of his work with police on the North Yorkshire doorsafe scheme, particularly tackling alcohol and drugs misuse, over the last seven years.

Mr Harrison, 36, who has been involved in licensing for 15 years, said: "It is nice to be recognised, but at the end of the day I am just doing my job."

He added that the night had gone well, despite the evacuation, and hoped clubbers would understand the need for the precaution.

Updated: 10:15 Thursday, April 29, 2004