YORK residents are being urged to apply for their free pass to the Minster before entry charges are introduced on Saturday.

The Minster entry pass will allow residents in without paying.

From Saturday, adults will be charged £4.50, and senior citizens and students £3. Children aged 16 and under will still go free.

For a free pass, send a stamped addressed envelope to York Minster Visitors Department, St William's College, College Street, York, YO1 7JF.

Worshippers wanting to attend a service, pray or light a candle can do so without charge.

Anyone wanting to do this should contact a member of staff on arrival. Acting Dean Glyn Webster said: "Paying for entry is essentially for tourists.

" We will continue to welcome York residents to the Cathedral, whether they are coming to pray, attend a service or just to enjoy the beauty of our most wonderful Cathedral."

Updated: 10:54 Monday, July 28, 2003