EIGHT-YEAR-OLD Max Glanvill was only there for a school project - but little did he know he was about to become the centre of attention at a leading tourist attraction.

The youngster was named yesterday as the 500,000th visitor to the Jorvik Viking Centre, in York.

The milestone was celebrated in style less than a year after the Viking exhibition centre re-opened following a £5m redevelopment programme.

Max, from Edinburgh, was guest of honour at the celebrations and was greeted by Lord Mayor of York, Councillor Irene Waudby, and Yorkshire Forward chairman Graham Hall.

The attraction's achievement was praised by Culture Secretary Tessa Jowell, who said it was "tremendous, particularly given the difficulties which have beset the tourism industry over the past 12 months."

The original Jorvik Viking Centre opened in 1984, and its next milestone is also thought to be just around the corner. It is likely to welcome its 13 millionth visitor over the Easter weekend.