YORK shoppers had to run the gauntlet at the weekend as gangsters did battle at one of the city's shopping malls.

Bugsy Malone and his cronies sparked a shoot-out at the McArthurGlen Designer Outlet - but no one was ever in any danger.

The stunt was staged to publicise York Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society's production at the city's Grand Opera House.

The colourful show has a cast of 40, including Easingwold's Jonathan Kentley, and Simon Goff, Kristofer and Rory Snaddon, and Suzanne Thomas, all from Thirsk.

Richard Bainbridge, drama teacher at Thirsk School, is an assistant director. He said: "They're all really excited about performing. It's a different challenge for most of them as they are having to play adults. We did some preparation during the summer, including workshops concentrating on the accents."

The curtain goes up on Bugsy Malone on Thursday, with performances also on Friday and Saturday.