The carpets have been specially designed to match the moulding on the ceiling and a chip of the original paintwork was used to recreate the striking green which now adorns the walls of the state room.

Retired joiner Walter Derbyshire casts an experienced eye over the craftsmanship which has transformed the Mansion House and which was admired by dozens of people who called in

A wave from the Sheriff of York, Coun Bernard Bell, as he shows his delight at the welcome which was given to the Mansion House work

The Mansion House looks incredible - but do the people of York think it was worth the £225,000 it cost to refurbish it?

As curious York citizens wandered around the building yesterday to catch their first glimpse of the revamped interior, many expressed their approval.

Walter Derbyshire, of Acomb Park, York, a retired joiner said: "I think they've done a wonderful job of renovating it.

"I've come particularly to look at the joinery and I am sure the joiners who were working on this really enjoyed themselves."

Margaret Hornby, of Tadcaster Road, said: "It is a privilege to be allowed in here.

"I think it is well worth the money to keep it up and maintain a bit of this sort of life which I think we are missing these days.

"We are getting far too humdrum and functional and it is nice to have the luxury of something beautiful."

Pat Wright, from Acomb, said: "For a lot of people it is a lot of money but I think it is worth it for the prestige of York."

Her husband, Ken, said: "I feel York is very honoured to have this and as citizens it is an honour to be able to come round."

Isobel Dunn, of Scarcroft Road, said: "It's fine, but I would rather see them grit the roads because it is so slippery in some places you can barely stand up."

Visitors who entered the Mansion House sipped tea in the state room to the soothing sounds of a string quartet and had the opportunity to chat with the Lord Mayor of York, Coun Derek Smallwood. They were each asked to write their names in the visitors' book which will be stored in the building's archives to provide a permanent historic record.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.