EVERYTHING stops for tea - especially when it's completely free.

That's the deal eight of York's hoteliers are offering local people tomorrow afternoon, as part of the annual Residents First Weekend.

The city-wide event, sponsored by Yorkshire Water and organised by the First Stop York tourism partnership, gives York residents the opportunity to be a tourist for the weekend and visit many of York's attractions and other venues free of charge.

Tomorrow, top hotels will offer locals the opportunity to relax over an afternoon cream tea in their luxurious surroundings. Those taking part are the Monkbar, Holiday Inn, Hilton, Dean Court, York Marriott, Grange, Royal York and the York Moathouse.

Tickets are available at the information point in Parliament Street from 10am tomorrow, and 160 pints of cream, 640 scones, 40 jars of jam, 320 sandwiches and 50 large fruit cakes will be enjoyed by residents when the cream teas are served up simultaneously across the city at 4pm.

That's just one of the events taking place over the weekend, with others including a special York market.

A full programme of events and what is on offer for the weekend is available from the Tourist Information Centre in Exhibition Square, or from the Yortime offices at 20 Back Swinegate.

To take part you need to show a valid York card, available from Yortime, and proof of residency.

Updated: 09:27 Saturday, January 26, 2002