EXPLOSIVES and anti-terrorism experts are in York to help North Yorkshire police prepare for next week's royal visit.

Members of the Army's Explosives and Ordnance Department, seen at the Fulford Road headquarters dressed in black combat gear and driving unmarked lorries, will work alongside the police in what is one of the biggest security operations ever undertaken in the county.

PC Paul Maloney, York police's events officer, said it was normal practice to call on the services of the unit for visits of the royal family and other VIPs.

He said: "As with any operation with a security angle to it we take advice from many other agencies, including those that have had dealings with terrorist devices."

Extra police officers have been drafted in from other parts of the county, and from other forces, to assist in the operation.

Meanwhile, North Yorkshire police's driver training department turned heads yesterday with a high-speed, high-security operation.

A five-car convoy flanked by four motorcycle outriders, simulating a VIP visit, roared though the county's roads while traffic was stopped to let them pass.