A FUNDRAISING "Magical History Tour" has been enjoyed by shoppers, signalling a landmark for a York youth theatre company.

Performers from Stagecoach Youth Theatre took to the streets of the city, performing the history of York to the tune of Beatles hits.

The rewritten song highlights included Revolution, for Guy Fawkes, and Help!, for the Vikings.

Organiser John Cooper said: "We wanted to perform some fun street theatre for the people of York to raise money for our theatre development. The response has been excellent, people were really interested and enjoyed the show, and we managed to raise plenty of money."

The events, on Saturday at Monks Cross Shopping Centre and in St Sampson's Square on Monday, raised about £600 for the group, providing a milestone in fundraising terms.

Mr Cooper said: "This event has helped us reach a total of £37,500 for the last six months, which is the amount we needed to be able to provide disabled access for the upper floor of our theatre in Monkgate.

"This is a major step forward in helping us realise the dream of turning the space we bought there three years ago into a fully-functioning theatre space.

"The money will pay for a lift for the disabled to be fitted this August. It is very good news."

Updated: 08:51 Wednesday, April 23, 2003