YORK was bathed in a blaze of Yuletide light as the Coppergate Centre Christmas lights were switched on in zany fashion.

The city's princes of pantomime Berwick Kaler and Martin Barrass, both in full panto get-up, joined Lord Mayor of York Shan Braund to perform the big switch-on.

Berwick was dressed in an outrageous, shimmering Dame's outfit, and told the gathered crowds that it was the wedding dress worn by Catherine Zeta-Jones at her marriage to Michael Douglas.

Hundreds of people looked on as the switch-on went without a hitch and were rewarded with a mass handout of Wagon Wheels, Berwick and Martin's Theatre Royal pantomime calling card.

The St Leonard's Hospice Appeal 2000 also received a boost during the evening as fundraisers in Dickensian garb collected money from the masses gathered for the switch-on.

Many of those watching the proceedings also took the chance to sample York's traditional Christmas late night shopping which began last night (Thur).

Meanwhile, shoppers streamed into the city for the four-day St Nicholas Fayre, which is taking place in Parliament Street.

Local produce and classic Christmas gifts are on offer at the many stalls, while a St Nicholas medieval market is in residence at Barley Hall.

The Christmas fair runs until Sunday.