Former Lord Mayors of York have been joining in the York 800 celebrations, marking 800 years of local democracy.

Here's what they said:

Steve and Sue Galloway (Lord Mayors in 1983/84 and 2010/11 respectively) - "With the future of Europe so uncertain at the moment, it is salutary to note that King John allowed York to buy its Charter in 1212 to help to pay for his disastrous, and expensive, military failures in France. One of his better decisions, and one that helped to ensure the prosperity of successive generations in our city."

Reg Pulleyn (1988/89) called York 800 celebrations a “momentous occasion for the city of York”. He added: “It is good that we are doing something to celebrate the city.”

Bernard Bell(1992/93) - “York is a beautiful City, the capital of Yorkshire with wonderful residents and I could wish for nowhere better to live and wish the city every success.”

Ann Reid (1993/94) - “It was a privilege to serve as Lord Mayor of this wonderful city. Residents are proud of our long heritage and their enthusiasm to support and promote York makes the vibrant city it is today.”

Ken King (1996/97) - “Of all the places around the world I have visited none compare to York and York people, I am proud to have been born in York always lived in York and be part of the history of York and I wish all residents a wonderful 800th anniversary.”

David Horton (2002/03 and 2011/12) - “As an ‘incomer’ to York residing in the City for over 30 years I feel honoured and proud of the wonderful City in which I live. It never fails to amaze me when speaking to people around the country or English people abroad who say without exception – 'it must be a beautiful City in which to live' – how right they are. Congratulations on our 800th Anniversary – let’s celebrate it to the full.”

Charles Hall (2003/04) - “I hope the celebrations reflect the success of the city and hope the city has the same success forthcoming. York has done remarkably well.”

Janet Greenwood (2005/06) - “I did feel very honoured and proud to represent city as Lord Mayor. It is magnificent we have survived and continued on with our Mayorality and Sheriffs for the 800 years we have. We should all be very proud to have been involved in a small part of the history of the city.”

Brian Watson (2008/09) - “A great city with wonderful architecture that celebrates the last 800 years plus, five minutes away and you are in the Yorkshire countryside, what more could we wish for? Happy Anniversary York!“

Peter Vaughan (1999/2000) - May York continue to prosper and flourish in its next 800 years and hopefully – sooner rather than later – become the capital city of the north.