Thousands of revellers were expected to make the traditional trip to the Minster area to see in the New Year.

There was also the chance of a 36-hour booze bonanza, after the Government recently changed the licensing laws to allow landlords to serve from 11am today until 11pm tomorrow.

Most pubs in York were only expected to serve until the early hours of tomorrow, but the rules give bosses the choice to keep serving if they want to.

PC Ashley Fitzhugh, of York Police licensing department, said today: "I've not heard of anyone who is serving right through for the full 36 hours.

"I think most of them are going to take a 'suck it and see' approach, and if things are going well they might keep serving.

"I can't see many going much beyond 2am or 3am though, with some maybe going a bit longer and the clubs open for a couple of extra hours.

"It (the extended hours) does seem to help from a policing point of view, with people drifting off at different times."

Richard Sykes, fresh food manager at Tesco's Clifton Moor branch, said there had been a run on soft and alcoholic drinks, party food and fun items like party poppers.

"Everyone is in the party spirit and are stocking up for tonight," he said.

Staff at the CASA bar, in Low Ousegate, were today preparing for a Hollywood-style fancy dress party, featuring a casino and a 70s and 80s disco.

And Colin Upton, brave bar manager of the Slug and Lettuce, in Back Swinegate, was preparing for a potentially painful end to 2002.

Hairy Colin had pledged to go through with a full chest wax tonight if £750 was raised for York Hospital's special care baby unit.

Updated: 11:18 Tuesday, December 31, 2002