VISITORS to York Minster today gave the thumbs down to admission charges.

The Archbishop of York, Dr David Hope, yesterday announced a £4.50 charge from August 2.

Margaret and Ken Tiplady, who live near Scarborough, said they were against the plan.

"It's ridiculous," Margaret said.

"We are pensioners, so it's way too expensive. I think they should only charge £1."

Ken, who is a former York resident, said: "These people at the Minster live in a different world. They've clearly had money all their lives.

"It's a beautiful building and worth seeing, but not at those prices.

"I'm not religious anyway."

Pat and Billy Wright, from South Shields, were visiting York to celebrate their Silver Wedding.

"I certainly wouldn't pay it," Pat said.

"We don't have to pay to get in churches in Newcastle. It's a lot of money, particularly for pensioners."

Backpacker Amber Converse, from Wisconsin, in the United States, said she would not be able to afford the £4.50 admission price.

"I don't have that money spare to go in," she said.

"I could stretch to about £2 - that would be fair."

But Jeff Davies, from North Carolina, said: "If I've come all this way to see the Minster I would definitely pay it."

Updated: 14:14 Tuesday, June 24, 2003