The people of York were on the tourist trail this weekend to check out the city's main attractions for free.

Thousands of residents flocked to more than 40 attractions during the Residents First weekend, an event run by the city's tourism partnership First Stop York in association with CPP Ltd, to get a taste of what makes York one of the country's greatest tourist destinations.

City stalwarts such as the National Railway Museum, York Castle Museum, and The Yorkshire Museum, were among those throwing open their doors to locals armed with YorkCards, but residents also had a chance to see some less familiar sights.

Visitors to Superbreak Mini-Holidays' offices on the 7th floor of the Ryedale Building, in Piccadilly, were able to enjoy 360-degree views of the city.

The remarkable features of Holy Trinity Church, in Goodramgate, were on show for the very first time during a Residents First weekend.

St Mary's Church, in Coppergate, played host to The Jorvik Story, an exhibition on York's Viking history, which is being run for just four months while the Jorvik Viking Centre undergoes a £5 million revamp.

Among those enjoying the experience was Diane Slater, from Acomb.

She said: "I have lived in York for about ten years, but the only place I've really ever visited is the Minster.

"This weekend has been a chance to see what we've been missing out on - and it's free."

The Yorkshire Museum of Farming, at Murton Park, also saw large crowds taking advantage of the sixth annual Residents First weekend.

Curatorial assistant Janet Bowes said: "We have had an exceptional weekend. Hundreds of people have come here and they have all said how much they enjoyed it."

York band Huge kept crowds entertained from an open air stage in Parliament Street on Saturday, even cheekily dedicating a rendition of "You Can Leave Your Hat On" to one cycle-helmeted fan. The Rhythm Bandits provided the soundtrack on Sunday.

But not all were able to take full advantage of the weekend.

David Mason, curator of the Micklegate Bar Museum, welcomed about 120 Residents First visitors on Saturday, but faced a frustrating Sunday as the gates to the city walls, which provide access to his museum, were kept firmly shut.

He said: "Residents First is a really useful exercise because it lets people know we are here and they can tell others but it's a crazy situation if no-one can get to us."

In winter months, he said, City of York Council decides on a daily basis if it is safe to open the walls.

But Mr Mason says he has seen the walls open in icy conditions and closed when the weather is fine.

"It is an ongoing problem because it seems to be a lottery as to whether the walls will be open or closed."

Mr Mason wants to apologise to those who were unable to get to the museum on Sunday. He plans to offer the Residents First terms again when he can guarantee the gates will be open.

Updated: 08:36 Monday, January 29, 2001