VISITORS to York can take their place in history by stepping into the costumes of characters from the city's colourful past.

York's only historical photographer's studio, which allows clients to dress in Viking, Victorian and Medieval costume, and even become a ghostly apparition, has just opened in Shambles.

Customers are already taking advantage of the new business, called Past Images, to create authentic-looking Victorian photographs, or have a little fun with Viking portraits.

Past Images is run by married couple Marc and Julie Lockwood, aged 28 and 34, and their friend Vince Danks, 40, all from York.

The trio decided that there was a gap in the market for an attraction where customers could interact with, then come away with, a memento.

Vince said: "It struck us recently that there has never been a themed photo studio in York and, as it seems an ideal place to have one, we decided to set one up."

Customers have a wide range of costumes to choose from, from Viking hunters, which is most popular with the men, to a Victorian lady, which is a clear winner for the women although the female Viking warrior comes a close second.

Julie said: "The aim was always to try to create an entire experience for the customer. With this in mind we decided to recreate a medieval setting on the ground floor which incorporates one of our sets whereas upstairs we have designed and built an authentic Victorian studio and Viking Harbour."

Updated: 11:26 Tuesday, June 18, 2002