THE annual Lord Mayor's Ball was a glittering success and brought back youthful memories for York's first citizen and her consort.

Saturday night saw the Ebor Suite at York Racecourse come to life with a St Valentine's Ball to raise money for St Leonard's Hospice and Age Concern York.

The event held a special memory for the Lord Mayor, Councillor Irene Waudby, as it was at such a St Valentine's event 40 years ago that she started going out with her husband, Derek.

They met at a church youth group in 1962, and actually started going out together at a St Valentine's dance in Trinity Methodist Chapel schoolroom two years later.

The two charities were chosen by Coun Waudby for her year of office.

Many residents around the city joined the Lord Mayor for the romantic black tie occasion.

Updated: 11:46 Monday, February 18, 2002