CULTURE Secretary Chris Smith enjoyed a night at York's two major Millennium arts projects - the newly opened National Centre for Early Music, and the Mystery Plays.

Accompanied by York MP Hugh Bayley, Mr Smith was first introduced to children from Heworth Primary School, at the revived St Margaret's Church, Walmgate, which houses the lottery-funded centre.

Using a variety of home-made instruments including bamboo flutes, the pupils performed a musical piece in the Minister's honour, based on sounds of the rainforest.

The music was recorded and immediately transferred to the Early Music Foundation's web page, where the children replayed their tuneful creation.

The National Centre was opened in April and boasts a 200-seat concert, speech and drama hall, a commercial recording studio and instruments for workshops.

Mr Smith said: "The building is wonderful. It's a very fine medieval church with a very sympathetic extension.

"The real joy is what goes on inside. It was fascinating to see the way in which the children were able to play instruments which have been in circulation for centuries.

"The fact they were really keen to hear the recording of what they were playing demonstrates the enthusiasm which the centre can generate.

"To have a place of this quality in York is obviously something of real importance to music making in the city and surrounding area."

Delma Tomlin, the centre director, said: "It was fantastic to have the Secretary of State at the centre. It's testament to all the hard work that has been done to bring the place back to life."

The York Millennium Mystery Plays, which are being staged in the Minster, were also given the ministerial thumbs-up.

Mr Smith said: "It was a splendid production that perfectly matches the grandeur of the Minster."

Hugh Bayley said: "York has its unique Mystery Plays and its world-class Early Music Festival. I'm very glad the Secretary of State has seen the strength of the arts and our innovative early music centre - a national centre here in York."

picture- UPBEAT: The Secretary of State for Culture, Chris Smith, met Heworth Primary School pupils, Ellie Dobson, left, and Claire Davy during his visit to the National Centre for Early Music in York