Cannon fire rocked York's Museum Gardens today as 21 shots marked the Queen's 73rd birthday.
Major General Dair Farrar-Hockley MC inspects Gunners of 40 Regiment Royal Artillery. Picture: David Harrison
The impressive gun salute, released across the River Ouse by locally stationed units of the Royal Artillery, saw hundreds of spectators surrounded by smoke and noise.
It was followed by the King's Division Waterloo Band's rendition of God Save The Queen.
York is one of only 12 locations given the right to be a saluting station. The others are the four national capitals and various army stations.
The gunners were inspected by Major General Dair Farrar-Hockley, who was carrying out the duty for the last time before his retirement.
Today's spectacle left onlookers impressed.
Fred Spencer, from Askham Richard, said: "It is very impressive to watch and it should be continued.
"We should be a sadder city if we relinquish ceremony like this."
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