WHAT a terrific day for the Lord Mayor of York and her charities.

Saturday would have surprised those who grumble that students are too serious these days. York University undergraduates left their books behind and dressed up as everything from fairy tale princesses to honeybees for the best rag parade for years.

The fashions were a little more conventional but equally eye-catching at the Lord Mayor's "Black and Red" Valentine's Ball that evening. Both events raised thousands of pounds for charity and did York proud.

Updated: 10:46 Monday, February 13, 2006