YORK'S carol concert has attracted Yuletide revellers from around the country.

Almost 1,000 tickets for the annual festive fixture have already been sold - and thanks to a "happy accident" on a website, people are coming from as far afield as Kent and Grimsby to see the show.

The show, which this year will be held in the Barbican Centre, is in its 49th year, and money raised is split between the Lord Mayor and Sheriff of York's Christmas Cheer Fund and our own Guardian Angels appeal.

In theory, tickets were only available over the counter at the Grand Opera House box office.

But after an error on a tourism website, a woman in Kent rang City of York Council directly to ask for tickets.

The council put her in touch with event organiser Graham Bradbury, and she is now coming to the city to meet her sister from Newcastle and listen to the carols.

And because this year's concert - on Sunday, November 26 - coincides with the popular St Nicholas' Fayre, tourists to York have been snapping up tickets from the York Visitor Information Centre, which has also offered to sell them.

Mr Bradbury said: "The centre has already sold a number of tickets to visitors from all over the country. Originally we thought having a carol concert at the same time as the fayre would be a disadvantage - but it's really worked in our favour."

Just over 300 tickets, costing £5, remain. To buy them, go to the Grand Opera House box office or phone the Visitor Information Centre on 01904 550099.

Alternatively, The Press has ten pairs of tickets, complete with free parking permits, to give away. To be in with a chance of winning one, just write to Paula Homer, 76-86 Walmgate, York, YO1 9YN. The draw will take place later this month.