BOBBLE hats and woolly jumpers have been replaced by T-shirts and shades as the sunshine finally makes a lasting appearance across North Yorkshire.

York tourism chiefs said the good weather - which is set to continue over the weekend - had brought visitors out in their droves.

Evening Press photographer Frank Dwyer snapped these two thirsty sun-seekers - Marks & Spencer employees Carrine Green, left, and Jackie Nixon - on the roof garden above the store, in Parliament Street, York, with the Minster behind them.

York tourist information manager Della Rhodes said the outlook for tourist visitors to the city was looking "buoyant".

She said: "The weather is certainly bringing a lot of people into the city. Guest houses are filling up fast for the weekend.

"I think people are sick of the rain and cold weather - long may the sun continue."

A spokesman for the PA weather centre said the sunshine should continue until Saturday.

He said: "Sunday will be cloudier with maybe a bit of drizzle, but the sun should return after a bit of cloud on Easter Monday.

"Given that it's still so early in the year, it's the best we could expect."

Updated: 11:55 Wednesday, March 27, 2002