ANYONE got space for an armed legion of Roman soldiers?

It is an unusual request for lodging, but six Roman soldiers need new digs after they moved out of their historic York home.

Organisers of The Eboracum Legion Bathhouse Museum, at The Roman Bath pub, are looking for somewhere to store their equipment.

They have closed up their side of the business, after two years of running tours and children's events in the basement of the historic St Sampson's Square pub.

Now they need somewhere to store everything belonging to the "homeless legion", from weaponry, including armour, swords, spears and shields, to kitchen pots and pans, washing kit and even a tent.

Business manager Keith Mulhearn, of Easingwold, said he was sad to be leaving the pub, his base of two years.

But he said that his other Roman ventures, including the annual Roman Festival and popular Roam'in Tours, would continue.

He said: "It leaves us homeless, the legion and all its gear. We've filled a garage in Huntington but it's not really the ideal

historic surroundings for the museum. The museum has been a huge success in raising the profile of York's Roman history and as a result the festival has gone from strength to strength.

"If anybody can help us we need 500 to 750 sq ft of storage space somewhere near to the city centre."

The Eboracum Legion Bathhouse Museum was one of York's smaller attractions, and was part of the Hidden Secrets group that also includes the Richard III museum at Monk Bar and Barley Hall, off Stonegate.

Mr Mulhearn said that up to 30 customers would visit on busy days, such as weekends and during the half-term holiday.

Landlord Liam Fagan, who has run The Roman Bath for 20 years, said the business was started up as a joint venture, but was not profitable. He said: "The business has been there for two years and they have run it well, but it hasn't worked out and we want to go in different directions."

The Roman Bath pub contains part of the hot room of a Roman legionary bath-house. The building was originally built inside the defences of the Roman fortress Eboracum.

Anyone who can offer the legion a new home should phone the Evening Press newsdesk on 01904 653051.

Updated: 10:06 Wednesday, November 02, 2005