THE massed hordes of Genghis Khan retired to them after a hard day's havoc-wreaking, and now people in York can help to build one.

Belinda Noda, a volunteer with the Friends of St Nicholas Fields, in Tang Hall, has just been awarded a grant by York and North Yorkshire Community Foundation to build a community yurt.

A yurt - also known as a ger - is the Asian equivalent of a North American Indian wigwam. These mobile homes have been used for thousands of years by nomadic Mongolian tribesmen on the steppes of Asia, and today about 80 per cent of Mongolians still live in the wood-framed, canvas-covered structures.

Belinda, who is disabled, is inviting community groups and individuals, particularly those with disabilities, to take part in the project over the weekend of April 19 to 21. Participating groups can arrange to use the finished yurt for their own events.

The weekend, which will be led by experienced yurt builders Walter and Tom Lloyd, begins at 7.30pm on the Friday, with a slideshow and talk at York Environmental Community Centre, in Bull Lane, at 7.30pm.

Work will continue on the Saturday from 10am until 6pm and in the evening a camp fire and social will be held. Volunteers should bring a packed lunch for the day and musical instruments and a song for the evening. Work will continue on the Sunday.

Belinda said: "This is a community project - people's skills and abilities are variable but everyone can contribute. Drop in and help or have a cup of tea and watch."

To find out more call the centre on 01904 411821.

Updated: 11:17 Wednesday, April 10, 2002