YORK Minster is temporarily chair-less to give visitors the chance to experience its original look.

More than 800 chairs have been removed inside the historic building until the end of the month.

Tracey Coffey, assistant press secretary at the Minster, said: "It gives people the chance to see how the Minster looked in days when the Nave was a place of fashionable promenade or gossip and the choir was the chief place of worship.

"Removing the chairs has worked really well in previous years."

The seats will be put back on January 31.

Mrs Coffey said most of the chairs were stored beneath the Nave and any left over were kindly stored by the Army.

Dancers were gathering at the Minster today to celebrate Epiphany.

The dancers will be led by York circle dance teacher Karen Michaelsen and members of the Silver Circle Band who will be playing traditional carols, plus Greek and Israeli music.

The South Transept doors will be open from 6.30pm and will be locked at 7pm for security reasons. The dancing is due to end at 9pm and admission is by donation. Further details from Lynn Harper on 01904 651130.

Updated: 11:33 Saturday, January 05, 2002