POLICE are asking people who are drinking on the streets in York to hand over their alcohol.

So far today they have collected nine open cans and two bottles of alcoholic drinks.

Officers are patrolling on Queen Street Bridge and Micklegate to remind visitors that, except from licensed premises, the city centre is an alcohol-free zone.

A spokesman said: "It’s race day. We are on Queen Street Bridge and Micklegate.

"We are requesting open containers of alcohol from people drinking on the street.

"Remember York city centre is an alcohol free area (unless you are in a licensed premises, of course)."

Officers are also reminding people that public urination will not be tolerated after they caught a man urinating near the race course today.