HISTORY came back to life when a city celebrated the life of its patron saint.

Regeneration projects in the centre of Ripon, North Yorkshire, meant the traditional parade to mark St Wilfrid's return from exile, in AD686, seemed in jeopardy this year.

The market place is undergoing a £1m facelift and roadworks seemed likely to hinder the pilgrims' progress around the city centre.

However, although the funfair was missing for the first time in living memory, a colourful procession of floats - led on horseback by St Wilfrid - was able to go ahead on Saturday.

"The county council agreed to move the roadworks and to make them safe so the parade could still get through," said event organiser Teresa Baier.

"Everyone worked really hard to make the day a success and everyone who took part or helped to make it happen deserves a really big thank you."