THE imposing Gothic architecture of York Minster was illuminated in colour for the first time in its history last night.

The cathedral was the focal point for celebrations to mark the advent of the festive season in the city, including the opening of the St Nicholas Fair and visits by up-and-coming pop star Stacey Ace, world number one snooker player Ronnie O'Sullivan and British Touring Car Champion, James Thompson.

However, a spectacular show to mark the switching on of the city's Christmas lights began in Duncombe Place at 6pm.

The Minster's giant West Window was illuminated from inside the building but, 50 minutes later, the whole of the west front was bathed in a spectacular show of coloured lights.

Spotlights also scanned across the stonework, highlighting details which were part of the ten-year, £4.3m restoration project, completed in 1999.

'Rocket' meets the Rocket

"ROCKET" Ronnie O'Sullivan met his namesake on a tour of York yesterday ahead of the UK Snooker Championships, held in the city from this weekend.

The world number one visited the National Railway Museum where he saw the George Stephenson's locomotive, the Rocket.

His visit also included a close encounter with characters from the museum's Edwardian Festival show, which opens tomorrow.

Mucky Peg and Filthy Bill star in a 30-minute comedy, Muck and Brass. Other events include brass band concerts, carol singing, a puppet show, steam train rides, a Christmas fun factory and visits from Santa.

Ronnie, who also helped to switch on York's Christmas lights last night, defends his British snooker title at the city's Barbican Centre from Sunday. The championships have a top prize of £84,000.