MAURY Yeston, the writer of Titanic: The Musical, has flown in from the United States to see York Musical Theatre Company's British premiere of his Broadway hit.

Mr Yeston was given a civic reception at the Mansion House by the Lord Mayor of York, Councillor Charles Hall, in the company of cast members, led by Jill Pollard and company chairman Jim Welsman.

The American composer and lyricist then attended Monday night's performance at York Theatre Royal, where Paul Laidlaw's production of the Tony Award-winning musical will run until Saturday. For tickets, phone 01904 623568.

Updated: 10:56 Wednesday, May 12, 2004