THE Lord Mayor of York gave visitors a VIP welcome to the city’s Mansion House for the last open house of her civic year.

The doors were open from 11am-3pm for and everyone was invited to join York’s first citizen in the historic Georgian home.

As well meeting civic dignitaries, visitors could also study the plans being drawn up to refurbish the property in expectation of a Heritage Lottery Fund grant.

The Lord Mayor Cllr Julie Gunnell said: “It went really well. It was busy with people coming in all the time.

“We had local people, visitors, and lots of children, including a group from a local nursery.

“It was also an exciting opportunity to look at future plans for the restoration of the Mansion House which looks to improve aspects of the building for future visitors.”

The building, which traces its history back to 1732, is a hub of the local community.

The first purpose-built house for a Lord Mayor in the country, it has been used for celebrations, business, civic events and announcements.