A SPECTACULAR procession through the centre of York celebrated the life and work of one of York's most significant figures.

Hundreds of people flocked to the Minster for the 1,700th anniversary of the proclamation in York of Constantine the Great as Roman Emperor.

A short service was held under the central tower led by leaders of several Christian denominations, including the Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu.

They celebrated the significant part played by Constantine in making Christianity the religion of the Roman Empire.

The Dean of York, the Very Rev Keith Jones, told the gathered throng: "York today celebrates the greatest event in the long history of this city.

"We are representatives of the Christian faith in the world today and today we pray together for the unity of the church and the peace of the people of God."

Dr Sentamu led the congregation in prayer and The Nicene Creed was read out in its original Greek text by the Archbishop Gregorios of Thyateira and Great Britain.

Then the fun really started as the colourful, noisy procession wound its way through the city streets.

Youngsters blew multi-coloured horns and carried giant Roman soldiers and assorted creatures while carrying a green-painted Constantine on a throne.

Students from York St John University College had worked with the children to create the dazzling carnival pieces.

Melvin Taylor, 58, travelled from Wakefield to attend the service and procession.

"It has been brilliant. You don't need to be a great Roman historian to enjoy it. The service was out of this world."

The significance of Constantine dates back to July 25, 306AD when he was proclaimed emperor by his troops following the death of his father, Emperor Constantius.

In 325AD, the emperor called a church council at Nicaea, in modern day Turkey, to determine a standard date for Easter.

More than 300 bishops from all corners of the Roman Empire attended, and after two months of deliberation, they finally issued the Easter Rule.

This stated that all Christians should celebrate Easter on the same day; the first Sunday after the first full moon following the spring equinox.