MORE than 200 Yorkshire dignitaries, town mayors and mayoresses and Yorkshire Society representatives marched through York today in full regalia to celebrate the Millennium Yorkshire Day.

A colourful civic procession led the spectacle through York that has not been seen since it hosted the event 15 years ago.

The procession, led by the York Waits playing traditional medieval music, walked from the Guildhall to the Minster for a special service of praise and thanksgiving led by the Archbishop of York.

The Lord Mayor of York, Coun Shan Braund, said: "The Archbishop made a lovely speech about Yorkshire telling us all what a wonderful place it is.

"York is having a lovely year, especially with the Queen's visit last week.

"I think all Yorkshire people should be very proud of what we have.

"I am Welsh, but I have lived here more than half my life and now see Yorkshire as my home."

A spokesman for City of York Council said: "It is wonderful to see the Yorkshire Day celebrations centring on York - which is the traditional capital of Yorkshire. Today is a celebration of the diversity of what the whole of Yorkshire has to offer to residents and visitors."

One mayor said jokingly to the crowd: "It's like being at the Commonwealth Games - instead of representing difference countries, it's different parts of Yorkshire."

Following the service, a private reception was being held in the Grand Assembly Rooms.

Meanwhile, a special Yorkshire market of 40 stalls selling traditional Yorkshire fare will be open until tomorrow in Newgate Market and Parliament Street.

One onlooker said: "It's a great way to celebrate how proud we are of Yorkshire and York seems the most appropriate place."

Meanwhile, York's first Millennium Yorkshire Day baby was born at York District Hospital just after 6am today following an arduous 24-hour delivery.

Cath Corble, 29, and her husband Jason, from Cawood, near Selby, were delighted and still trying to come up with a suitable name. It is their first child.

Cath said: "I feel exhausted but absolutely thrilled. It's great that she was born on Yorkshire Day.

"I'm actually from the North-East but Jason has always lived in Yorkshire and is pleased she is a Tyke. We will have to get her playing cricket!"

The couple will be celebrating at home when Cath is released from hospital tomorrow.

PICTURE: The Millennium Yorkshire Day

procession arrives at York Minster after parading through the city from the Guildhall today

Picture: Frank Dwyer