TOURISM chiefs say the clocks may have been turned back an hour but there is no need to be afraid of the dark in York.

Visit York’s latest campaign aims to get more people from across the UK to discover the wonders of the city this autumn.

The new marketing campaign, York – A Break With Tradition, is intended to entice visitors to book their next autumn/winter break in the city.

Gillian Cruddas, Visit York chief executive, said: “We could all do with a little pick me up at this time of year and a visit to York could be just the tonic.

“We want everyone to know that York successfully combines its clear sense of heritage and superb architecture with designer shops, world class galleries and museums, sophisticated restaurants, bars and cafés.”

A spokeswoman said Visit York aimed to entice people to blow autumnal cobwebs away with a special Break With Tradition offer of a special three nights for the price of two at participating hotels and guest houses.

The marketing campaign will use a mix of traditional and online marketing; offers on twitter and facebook and a public relations campaign targeting media across the UK.