York has produced any number of exalted men and women over the last thousand years. Great leaders, distinguished reformers, outstanding artists, top athletes, deep thinkers and notorious criminals have all been born within these ancient walls.

So it was no small task to choose two people to become our Millennium Persons of the Past and Present. But you have managed it.

Choosing the winner of the first category was the more daunting task. It had to be someone whose influence extended far beyond their own lifetime. In the early rounds of voting, opinion was firmly behind religious martyr Margaret Clitherow. Her shrine in Shambles continues to attract pilgrims 400 years after she was pressed to death in York.

But the final poll saw Victorian reformer Joseph Rowntree emerge as the winner. This is an excellent choice. Rowntree's business acumen was such that he developed his confectionery factory from a small concern into a thriving operation, employing many thousands of York citizens. This work has allowed Rowntree's to become the international force it is today.

Just as important was Joseph Rowntree's commitment to the well-being of his workforce. The principles he laid down for the treatment of his staff are now embodied in Britain's welfare state. Joseph's son Seebohm was another great social reformer, and was runner-up.

The winner of our Millennium Person of the Present is Dame Judi Dench. Her prominent roles in the entertainment and communications businesses have given her an international profile. That makes her a true woman of the age. We hope Dame Judi, one of the outstanding talents of her generation, will hold this honour from her home city in the same affection as her Oscar and many other awards.

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