THE first visitors have taken a tour of the newly refurbished Mansion House after it was re-opened to the public.

A 10ft Christmas tree and decorations greeted the first round of guests during its opening weekend following the home’s £2.6 million restoration.

As well as seeing the new-look Mansion House restored to its former glory, visitors were also able to find out more about Christmas culinary specialities through the ages with food historian and broadcaster, Dr Annie Gray.

Traditionally the Lord Mayor of York’s home during office, the property opened in 1732 and looks out on St Helen’s Square.

Builders moved in during the summer of 2015 and the iconic facade was covered up with scaffolding and plastic sheets.

Cllr Keith Orrell, interim executive member for economic development and community engagement, City of York Council, said: “York Mansion House is a beautiful building at any time of the year, but during the Christmas period it really takes centre stage in the city.

“I hope that local residents will take this opportunity to see for themselves the marvellous restoration work – the biggest since the house was finished in 1732 - and find out more about the unique history of York’s Mansion House than ever before.”

Younger visitors were also able to write a letter to Father Christmas, and hand it over to the Lord Mayor, Cllr Barbara Boyce, for her to send on to the North Pole, receiving some chocolate treats for their efforts.

The restoration includes a new-look exterior, with a brick-coloured facade and a polychrome crest – a colour scheme voted for by York residents in 2016 – and thought to be similar to how the Mansion House would have looked in the 1890s.

The Mansion House will be officially re-opened on January 27 next year during Residents’ First Weekend, when visitors will be able to see the newly curated silver galleries for the first time.

York residents can get half price entry to the Mansion House with a York Card or proof of residence (such as a council tax bill).

Full price entrance is £6.50 for adults, £5 for concessions and £3.50 for children.

The house is open every day except Monday and Tuesdays, from 10.30am to 5pm until Saturday, December 23.

The ‘Opening Doors’ restoration project was made due to a grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF), funding from City of York Council and a variety of grants and generous donations totalling £2.6 million.

The project sought to improve the visitor experience by beautifully restoring this particular piece of York’s architectural history, allowing more people than ever to enjoy it.

Tickets are now available and can be purchased by visiting ttps://yuletideatymh.eventbrite.com/?aff=press.