WE are lucky enough to live in a city renowned for the beauty of its buildings.

It is up to us, however, to make sure it stays that way.

York is developing fast. And we know, from the mistakes made in the 1960s, how easy it is for one ugly building to ruin the rest. Just look at The Stonebow or Ryedale House.

So what a great idea of the Lord Mayor, Janet Hopton, to launch an annual design award to celebrate the best new buildings in the city.

It should help ensure the York of tomorrow remains every bit as beautiful as the York of today.