The screams could almost be heard from outside the building as residents packed York's Dungeon to take advantage of free entry during Residents First Weekend.

Helen Douglas, manager of York Dungeon, said there were queues outside before opening and they were expected to continue throughout the day.

In the surgery children screamed as they were shown a plague victim, on whom the doctor had performed a botched operation, but it was all good fun as testified by Shaun Watson, ten, from Huntington, who was visiting with his mum, Sandy. He said: "It's brilliant."

More than 40 attractions were taking part, with live music in Parliament Street today by York party band, Huge. Scarborough band, The Rhythm Bandits, will be on the same stage between noon and 4pm tomorrow.

To take part you will need a valid York Card and some sort of proof of residence.

Updated: 13:01 Saturday, January 27, 2001