YORK is one of the most historic cities in England, if not the world. But it is also becoming one of the most modern.

Don’t believe us? Well, UNESCO certainly thinks it is. The UN body has designated York a City of Media Arts.

The accolade ranks us alongside Dakar, Tel Aviv, Lyon and the Japanese city of Sapporo as a world centre for the creative digital arts.

No one who has enjoyed Illuminating York, or who has visited the University of York’s Sir Ron Cooke Hub with its ‘creative enterprise’ facilities, will really be surprised.

Creative and digital businesses are already said to be the largest growth area of the city’s economy, following significant investment in the sector in recent years.

The UNESCO recognition won’t in itself bring in any direct money. But it will enormously boost York’s reputation, unlocking access to new investment opportunities. The hope is that within ten years, the value of York’s creative industries will double to £330 million.

That is great news. As we reported last week York, while generally doing well economically, still has too many people in poorly paid jobs.

A thriving creative digital sector will provide better paid employment and generate real inward investment – as well as making this an even more exciting city in which to live.