YORK may have seen its last Lord Mayor's Parade following the payment of £600,000 to a bandsman who fell from a float.

A charitable group, the York Junior Chamber, was exonerated at the High Court in Leeds yesterday when Roy Gill was awarded the compensation because of a fall in the 1999 event which left him paralysed.

But the Chamber vowed today it would never run the parade again, and City of York Council said it needed "reassurances about safety" before getting involved with any future carnival.

Tuba player Mr Gill, 66, of Knavesmire Crescent, York, who is now dependant on a full-time carer, was playing in the York Railway Institute Golden Rail Band during the annual parade on June 27, 1999.

The court heard that he fell off the band's wagon on to his forehead after it "jerked" while reversing at York's Knavesmire, injuring his spinal cord and leading to months in hospital.

The Chamber had claims against it dropped, but was forced to pay £50,000 in legal costs.

Claims against the York Railway Institute were also dropped, and Mr Gill's compensation will be paid out by insurers covering James Gill (no relation), who was driving the wagon, and his firm, Dunnington-based House of James Transport.

Mr Gill, who still plays with the band using a special metal stand, said he was "relieved" it was all over, but felt the money was no substitute for the loss of the use of his legs.

"I'm grateful for all the support I've had from my family and friends in the band," he said.

"The money will pay for all my care and equipment."

Junior Chamber member Chris Hoare, from Wheldrake, said after the hearing: "We've been through two years of hell. If we had lost the case I would've had to put my house up for sale. It has ripped our organisation apart.

"We would never organise it again - it's just not worth it."

A spokesman for City of York Council said: "Arrangements for the civic year are very much down to the requirements of the incoming Lord Mayor.

"However, the council views what has happened very seriously

and would want to be reassured about safety before getting involved in any future parades."

Announcing the pay-out, Justice Robert Nelson told Mr Gill's barrister in court: "I respect and admire how well he has done with coping with his injuries."

Mr Gill's daughter, Debbie, said: "I'm elated that mum and dad don't have to worry any more. It has been a horrible two years."

Updated: 11:24 Thursday, January 31, 2002