APRIL Fool’s day seemed two months late when Masham residents were told to take down Tour de France jersey bunting in case the wool became wet and caused steel lamp posts to bend.

Motorists were equally bemused to learn that a huge spillage of instant mashed potato had blocked the A64 near Malton, causing traffic chaos.

The Vale of York Clinical Commissioning Group performed a U-turn in favour of offering a course of IVF treatment.

Tour de France anticipation reached fever pitch as the Grand Départ trophy went on display in York for six days; York was recognised as having a ‘thriving’ Living Wage campaign. Armed Forces Day remembered those who fought in the First World War as did a new exhibition at the Castle Museum.

Askham Bar and Poppleton Park and Ride opened, the latter with the city’s first fleet of fully electric buses.

York’s 2 Signal Regiment marked its return from Afghanistan with a service at York Minster, and 600 children from 14 schools performed during York Music Hub festival at the Barbican.

The Star Inn the City, Minster Piazza and Vangarde Shopping Centre were winners at the York Design Awards.

Three thousand runners took part in the Race for Life, while hundreds of nude cyclists participated in the 9th York World Naked Bike Ride to protest against “unsustainable” oil usage and the car culture.

York Festival of Ideas took the theme order and chaos to mark the 100th anniversary of the First World War.

York lost its bid for the national high speed rail training college.

Prince William visited Goole High School and the first Saturday race meet of the year was held at Knavesmire. It featured a rare dead heat.