TOURISTS and shoppers were treated to the sight of centurions marching through the streets of York as the city held its seventh Roman Festival.

As days of rain finally gave way to a bank holiday of summer sunshine, the troops made their way to a living history camp near York Central Library, where visitors were able to try Roman food and drink, and see Roman craftsmen at work.

Leading his troops through the city was Keith Mulhearn, organiser of the two-day festival, who said: “It’s going well – very very well. This morning I was speaking to a group of Germans who have driven all the way from Dresden, over two days, just for this event.

“It’s a real sign that people are picking up on the festival.”

Also drawing the crowds on Saturday was a celebration on Hob Moor to mark six years since the area was designated a nature reserve.

Live bands, craft stalls, a climbing wall and a bird of prey display helped to draw 750 visitors to the area.

Madeline Evans, of the Friends of Hob Moor organisation, said: “It’s been really good. There’s twice the number of people here than there was last year, but there’s more for children to do.”

Larry Gray, commodore at the Yorkshire Ouse Sailing Club, was in Parliament Street, York, on Saturday as part of the Active Sports promotion It is the club’s open day on May 30 at Naburn. Yesterday saw temperatures in York climb above 20C and the tourist information office reported a surge in accommodation bookings.

Christine Morton, of Visit York, said: “From the information we have so far. It’s been a very good bank holiday and looks like being a very good half term.

“There has been a last-minute surge in bookings for Saturday and Sunday night.”