VIVA Carmen Miranda!

Onlookers could have been forgiven for thinking the actress and singer, famous for her fruit-based headgear, had put in a surprise appearance at York Minster.

But the exotically-dressed performer was in fact a local supporter of the vegetarian campaign group Viva!

The Brazilian bombshell was inviting the people of York to get fit and fruity at the group's Incredible Veggie Roadshow, which comes to the city on Saturday, June, 3.

Justin Kerswell, one of Viva's campaigners, said: "The roadshow has been running for almost two years, and has been a success every time. It's now our 13th road show, and we hope for 1,500 people to join us. It's an upbeat, fun, free event, with attractions such as veggie food samples, cookery demonstrations, veggie stalls selling vegan food products, and all the advice you can get on how to change your diet and improve your health."

Updated: 11:08 Thursday, May 18, 2006