AN ANCIENT "pub crawl" is to be enjoyed this weekend as York's Lord Mayor leads citizens in the "Assize of Ale".

The Lord Mayor, Coun Chas Hall, and the Sheriff of York, Coun Keith Orrell, will take up their historic duty of testing the quality of York's ale in a charity event.

Historically it was the duty of the Sheriff to test the ale was of a suitable quality, with the task continuing symbolically today as a charity pub crawl of the city's inns.

This Saturday, the Sheriff and Lord Mayor, accompanied by members of the Guild of Scriveners, a benevolent foundation in York, will be taking up their task, and inviting members of the public to step back in time with them.

"In the past, any sergeant (official) who failed to answer the summons was guilty of an offence and liable to fines or the pillory," said assize organiser Maureen Singleton.

"But nowadays the assize is organised to have fun whilst raising money for charities.

"The fines have been replaced by donations from those taking part."

She invited people to join them.

"Visit the hostelries which are helping in the assize, knowing that by taking part you will be having fun and helping local charities."

The event will begin at 2pm when a proclamation will be read from the Mansion House steps, then the civic party, accompanied by an assorted bunch of supporters in medieval costume will set out.

Two processional routes will tour the city, one beginning at the Brigadier Gerard in Monkgate, another at The Golden Ball, in Cromwell Road, at 2.30pm.

They will then meet up at 5.30pm at Thomas's, in Museum Street. The Yorkshire Air Ambulance Service, Multiple Sclerosis Society, Sight Savers and the Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Society will all benefit from the charity day.

Coun Orrell said: "It's a tradition that's been going on for many years now and it's an exciting event. People go round the pubs testing the ale, having fun, and raising lots of money for charity.

"It's an enjoyable day for everybody involved, I am definitely looking forward to it and everyone should come and join in the fun."

Updated: 08:51 Wednesday, August 06, 2003