YORK raised a toast to one its most famous sons last night - to mark the 100th anniversary of poet W H Auden's birth.

The Lord Mayor of York, Coun Janet Hopton, joined forces with the City of York Auden Society to unveil a bust in honour of the world famous poet, who was born at 54 Bootham, on February 21, 1907.

Fans and historians gathered at the Bootham house for an evening of literature, nostalgia and merriment.

On the stroke of 6pm, the assembled guests all enjoyed a Martini - as Auden himself used to at that time every day.

The event was organised by Hugh Bernays and Hugo Hildyard, of the Auden Society.

Afterwards, Bootham School hall hosted a poetry reading.