THE time of year has arrived when York residents get to spend the weekend enjoying tourist hotspots - on their own doorstep.

Every year, four million tourists visit York to enjoy its wide array of famous attractions.

But later this month the city is to enjoy its annual "Residents 1st Weekend" - when locals get to see first-hand what makes York such a Mecca for visitors.

Because the weekend is sponsored by Your Local Link, The Max Design and Print Co and the city's tourism partnership, residents with a new-style YORKCard can enjoy admission to the 50 museums, tours and attractions taking part in the event for free.

This year's weekend is to take place on January 28 and 29.

Events on offer include a tour of All Saints' Church, in North Street, a Queen tribute night at the Grand Opera House, a guided tour around York Cemetery, and a river trip on one of the city's famous Yorkboats.

Well known local bands Huge and Goosehorns will be playing in Parliament Street from 1pm on Saturday and Sunday.

Here at the Evening Press, we will also be taking part in the event, by throwing open our doors to the public and offering free guided tours of our publishing centre in Walmgate.

A week beforehand, we will be printing a full list of all the events and entertainments on offer.

Kay Hyde, PR manager for York Tourism Bureau, said it was important residents got to know their own tourist attractions because of the growing market in visiting friends and relatives.

She said: "The Residents 1st programme is bigger and better than ever this year thanks to the work of the First Stop York tourism partnership.

"York's residents are important ambassadors, helping to ensure that our four million visitors have a friendly welcome and enjoyable stay while they are here.

"This is our way of saying thank-you to the people of York for their support for tourism, and we hope more people than ever before will take part."

Anyone who lives in York is entitled to a YORKCard, which can be obtained from the city's libraries.

Applicants need to provide two forms of identification, including one that shows their home address.

Old-style blue and red cards are no longer valid.

Updated: 09:43 Saturday, January 14, 2006