THE birthday of the Prince of Wales was marked by a 21-gun royal salute in York’s Museum Gardens.

Visitors to the gardens yesterday were treated to the sound of the three guns firing at ten-second intervals over the city at noon, in honour of the Prince’s 62nd birthday.

The guns were fired by the soldiers of 5 Regiment Royal Artillery, who made the trip from Catterick for the event.

York was granted the status of saluting station in 1971 to mark the 1,900th anniversary of the city and is the location for the marking of various Royal events.

Music for yesterday’s event was provided by The Heavy Cavalry and Cambrai Band. The inspecting officer was Richard Compton, The High Sheriff of North Yorkshire.