FROM the medieval to the millennium, the Duke of York was given a real history lesson during a flying visit to the region yesterday.

Prince Andrew lived up to his action man image as he took a helicopter ride to one of the North's major futuristic landmarks, before moving on to witness jousting knights.

The Duke was the guest of honour in York, where he officially unveiled the city's stunning Millennium Bridge - an architectural gem which the Queen was due to open last year, before the multi-million pound project was hit by the flooding crisis.

After leaving the city, he headed for Bedale, North Yorkshire, to see the town celebrate the 750th anniversary of the awarding of its market charter with a series of spectacular and colourful themed events.

The appearance of the Duke was a major coup for the Bedale 750 Festival - a four-month long carnival of music and drama to celebrate Henry III granting its charter to hold a Tuesday market.

In glorious sunshine, the Duke spent almost an hour longer than scheduled at the festival's flagship event, as he chatted to residents, who had donned medieval attire.

Medieval market organiser Terry Noyes said: "I have spent two years setting this up, and it was a bit frantic over the last three weeks, but this has exceeded my wildest expectations. It has been an outstanding success."

Earlier in the day, the Duke emerged from a Sikorsky S76 helicopter to perform a series of engagements in York.

He was greeted by the Lord Lieutenant of North Yorkshire, Lord Crathorne, who said: "I certainly think this is a nice celebration for the city after the area was so badly damaged by the floods, and it is good to see the Duke here."

Prince Andrew arrived at his first port of call, the Priory Street Centre, to be greeted by flag-waving children, who were singing The Grand Old Duke of York.

As he paused to chat to youngsters from the Priory Street Nursery, and the neighbouring Cottage Nursery, the Duke said: "I'm not grand, and I'm not that old!"

He was later a guest at the inaugural meeting of the York and North Yorkshire Community Foundation, which offers cash grants to boost community projects across the county