SPREADING some Christmas cheer this festive season was the Lord Mayor of York, Coun Irene Waudby.

People spending Christmas Day in the company of the Salvation Army or at York District Hospital were given reasons to smile with a festive visit from Coun Waudby and a civic party.

Joshua Mason, aged 10, from Harrogate, had been having tests after an operation to remove his appendix.

He said he was delighted to see the Lord Mayor. And he was even more pleased when doctors gave him the green light to go home.

He said: "I looked forward to meeting the Lord Mayor. It is something a bit special at Christmas."

Dad Damon added: "It was unexpected. We didn't expect Father Christmas at the hospital, never mind the Lord Mayor. To get a visit from both in one day is great."

Coun Waudby said: "This visit is a long tradition and one which should be continued.

"The staff here at York District Hospital are under tremendous pressure but they do a wonderful job. The city could not live without this place."

Coun Waudby also visited other wards before heading down to the maternity unit to see some of the city's newest citizens.

She then moved on to the Salvation Army Citadel, in Gillygate, York, where pensioners, the homeless and dozens of volunteers were enjoying festive music, carols and, of course, the traditional Christmas feast of turkey and all the trimmings.

Ivy Curry, at 93, had the distinction of being the Salvation Army's oldest visitor. She said: "It is nice to be here among friends at Christmas. I am looking forward to my Christmas dinner. I am very glad to be at the Salvation Army today. They do a wonderful job."

Major Paul Westlake, commanding officer, said: "We expect to have around 120 people eating with us today. It is a good turn out.

"We work to reach out into the community and this is one of the ways we can do this.

"I am sure that, for those among us today, this will be a brilliant Christmas."

Updated: 09:07 Thursday, December 27, 2001