Hubble bubble, toil and trouble were in prospect when one of York's most notorious villains joined some weird sisters for a spot of stirring - but the cause was actually a good one.

City residents are being invited to step back in time to see the darker side

of York's history during the Residents First weekend of January 27 and 28.

This city-wide event, sponsored by CPP Ltd, gives York residents the opportunity

to be tourists for the weekend and visit many local attractions free of charge.

York Dungeon is one of more than 40 attractions taking part, but it is the only one offering residents an extra free day - Friday January 26 - to celebrate its reopening after the floods.

The Dungeon was closed for almost eight weeks, and opened its doors again on December 21 to crowds of visitors flocking to see the latest scary additions.

Residents are invited to take a spine-chilling tour through the plague-ravaged streets of 14th century York, and come face to face with the world's most infamous highwayman, Dick Turpin.

They can also join Guy Fawkes and watch the Gunpowder Plot unfold before their eyes.

New at York Dungeon for Easter 2001 are the Witch Trials - giving the opportunity to meet gruesome Witch Finders of the 16th and 17th Centuries and witness the cruelty of the executioner.

Tony Bennett, chairman of the First Stop York Tourism Partnership, said: "The Residents First Weekend is growing each year and we hope even more of York's residents will take up this fantastic opportunity."

Charlotte Dootson, marketing assistant at the Castle Museum said: "It is a great opportunity for the Castle Museum to remind York's residents that they can visit free of charge all year round."

As well as the opportunity to visit York's attractions free of charge, many of York's top restaurants are offering special set price Residents' Feast meal deals during the Residents First Weekend.

For details of these and a host of other offers, including how you can win a luxury weekend in one of York's top hotels, call the First Stop York tourism partnership on 01904 554425 during office hours.

Leaflets are available from the Tourist Information Centres, the central library and all council offices.

Updated: 10:15 Thursday, January 18, 2001