OSCAR-winning actress Dame Judi Dench said she was "overwhelmed" by the welcome she was given by the people of York when she returned home at the weekend.

The York-born stage and screen actress was made an honorary Freeman of the City - and also became the first freeman of the Viking city of Jorvik at a special ceremony at the popular attraction in Coppergate.

The 67-year-old, a former pupil at The Mount School, described Saturday as "one of the best days I've had here", after she joined a procession of City of York councillors and officials through the streets of the city, where she mingled with tourists and residents.

Although she said she visited York regularly to see family - and whenever she needed to see her dentist, who is also her nephew, Simon Dench - she said she was unable to live here permanently because of work commitments.

She strongly denied rumours that she was buying a flat in the Westgate development in Leeman Road, saying: "You tell me who started that rumour!

"I live in a village in the south of England and I am very happy. I would love to live in York, but it isn't practical.

"But I love coming back. That feeling of coming up and suddenly seeing the Minster, it's a lovely feeling." Dame Judi attended a brief ceremony in the Chapter House of the Minster where she was confirmed a Freeman of the City before walking to Jorvik, accompanied by 13 Vikings, ready to welcome the centre's 13 millionth visitor - Nick Horner, 31, of Castle Close, Wigginton, York.

There she was named the first freeman of the Viking city and presented with an 18-carat gold pendant and a special glass award.

She said "I feel overwhelmed by what's happened here today.

"I just wish my mother and father were still alive because they were very good citizens of York, but it was great having my brothers and sister-in-law here.

"To be recognised this way is actually beyond anything I've been given. Awards for my work are different, this is my personal life and it means a great deal."

She said it was great to be back in familiar surroundings.

She said: "I decided that I would fly from Gatwick to Leeds-Bradford and on the plane I met an elderly gentleman.

"He said: 'I know you,' and I waited, and he said: 'Not from the television or theatre, it's because you are the spitting image of my wife's sister-in-law'.

"Suddenly I knew exactly where I was coming to. This county doesn't mess about.

"Coming back to this city, it harks back to the gentleman on the plane. I can walk down the streets of the city and people will just say: 'Hello Judi', and it's as though I never left.

"People say I'm direct and I speak my mind. I'm not particularly aware that I do that, but if I do I expect that's a bit of Yorkshire coming out of me."

She said it was unlikely that she will be looking at media coverage of her visit to her home city - she has not even watched films such as Chocolat, in which she starred with Johnny Depp and Juliette Binoche, and The Shipping News, with Kevin Spacey, because she doesn't like looking at herself on the screen.

She said: "I'm squeamish about it. I've never been used to it and I hope I never will get used to it. I think a bit of insecurity is good for you."

Updated: 12:06 Monday, July 15, 2002