As New Year's Eve approaches, Emma Harrison looks back at how the New Millennium has left its mark on North and East Yorkshire.

FOR years -probably decades - to come, they will serve as permanent reminders of an extraordinary year.

All across the broad acres, projects large and small were organised to celebrate the New Millennium, making a real difference in the lives of present residents and generations to come. In many cases, money from the National Lottery gave the vital financial kick-start to the schemes.

By far the biggest project in the York area was the Millennium Bridge, which finally glided into place on October 17.

This will provide a useful crossing over the River Ouse for millions of pedestrians and cyclists in the years, ahead and is also a graceful structure which is likely to become a tourist attraction in its own right

The bridge was due to open in the summer but construction delays and then floods have set the official opening date back until the New Year.

Elsewhere in York, residents' dreams for the future of Leeman Road became reality, with the area around Holgate Beck being transformed into a wildlife area and Millennium green with footpaths and a picnic area.

Teenagers and toddlers also benefited with a park and a BMX and roller-blading track on the park area between Lincoln Street and Water End.

The Lord Mayor of York, Coun Shan Braund, said: "I'm absolutely thrilled that York has managed to secure so many lasting community projects to take us into the 21st century."

There were Millennium projects in country towns and villages, too, including Helperby, near Easingwold, which got a new £378,000 village hall.

Helmsley restored its Town Hall, bringing back the balcony and flagpole. The restoration project was marked by a Royal visitor, Prince Andrew, who visited Helmsley in September - one hundred years after the original foundation stone was laid by the then Duke of York.

Pocklington welcomed a new era of arts and entertainment with a new Civic Arts Centre. Costing £770,000, the new facility includes a cinema, theatre, local history museum and tourist information centre.