AN ANCIENT horn, possibly bestowed by King Alfred The Great to a North Yorkshire city, was originally blue and was not just for show, it has been revealed.

Experts at the York Archaeological Trust uncovered the Ripon Horn, or Charter Horn - which was blown in the city from 886AD - for the first time in a century to analyse the artefact.

The horn is used in civic ceremonies today, but is kept under a textile covering.

The trust's deputy director, Dr Richard Hall, said it was initially thought the horn was just for show: "It was definitely made to be blown, as there was a mouthpiece, and it has also been thinned down around the circumference, which I'm told was to give it a better tone and resonance. It's a national treasure. It is a symbol to Ripon of the status of the town, and it's a live part of many civic ceremonies."

Stuart Martin, Mayor of Ripon, said: "The horn is Ripon. We believe it was given to us by Alfred The Great because of our loyal service."

Updated: 10:24 Friday, April 22, 2005