A CAMPAIGN to celebrate the re-opening of a renowned York attraction has reached Westminster.

A small horde of Vikings from Jorvik Viking Centre were accompanied by archaeologists and museum bosses at a reception in the Palace of Westminster to update politicians and supporters on the plight of the venue, which was ruined in last December’s flooding. It has remained closed since.

Visitors explained how much work has gone into not only re-imagining the centre experience for its re-opening on April 8 next year, but also the measures put in place to protect against future flooding.

David Jennings, chief executive, said: “Despite the flooding irreparably damaging most of our Viking city recreation and artefact galleries, we have still welcomed thousands of school children to our temporary exhibitions – especially in the adjacent York St Mary’s in partnership with York Museums Trust and the treasury of York Minster – and kept some of the most important Viking artefacts ever found in this country on public display.”

Funding from insurers has allowed York Archaeological Trust to retain all members of staff at the centre.

The reception was organised by Baroness Harris of Richmond who raised the plight of York Archaeological Trust in the House of Lords. The Trust has received financial support from sources including Arts Council England, to help re-imagine the Viking attraction with the latest technology when it re-opens in time for Easter.