IT has become a symbol of flooding in York. Pictures of an inundated Kings Arms are regularly flashed around the world when the Ouse bursts its banks and brings disaster to the city.

But not any more.

Under a revolutionary engineering project, the historic pub has been raised by 12 feet -taking it above all but the most exceptional flood levels.

The Kings Arms is pictured before noon today after work was completed overnight, using traditional York brick carefully recovered from demolition projects elsewhere in the city.

The project involved the use of high-power hydraulic pumps to raise the structure inch by inch, while specially trained brickies laid layer after layer of bricks below. A crane and winch were brought in overnight to provide extra support for the structure from above.

Drinkers inside last night were given the option of leaving the pub before work began or remaining inside for an all-night lock-in.

The successful completion of the works today stunned Swedish engineering expert Lapri Loof. "I feared the pub's structure could not cope with the stresses involved and could cause a catastrophic collapse into the Ouse, which could have blocked the path of cruise boats for weeks to come," he said.

The scheme is sure to come as welcome news to tourism boss Avrillian Cruddas, who has complained in the past that negative images of York in flood - often featuring the pub - have hit tourist bookings badly.

Landlord Mike Hartley also welcomed the move. "It will be marvellous to keep our feet dry for a change," he said.

The idea of raising the pub came originally from occasional customer Noel Morgan, of Bishopthorpe Road. "It came to me in a flash," he said. "People said it wasn't possible. But take a look at it now, and all I can say to them is: You could have fooled me."

Updated: 11:33 Tuesday, April 01, 2003