YORK'S Mansion has been lit in the French tricolour colours of red, white and blue to show respect and support for the victims of the French terror attacks.

The French flag is being flown at half mast on the historic building, and the city's Lord Mayor has written to her counterpart in Paris to express condolences on behalf of the city of York.

The Mansion House was illuminated in the French colours on Wednesday night and will stay that way for three nights, including during Thursday's Christmas lights switch-on.

The Lord Mayor of York, Cllr Sonja Crisp said: "On behalf of the Civic Party I would like to express my deepest condolences to all those affected by these tragic events.

"We have a very special connection with communities in Dijon, France, whom we have been twinned with since 1953 so it’s with great sadness that we’ve written to the Mayor of Paris under these circumstances. At the same time, it has been heart-warming to see the signs of solidarity from across York and beyond."

City of York Council’s executive and the Lord Mayor have written to the Mayor of Paris, Anne Hidalgo, to express their deepest condolences on behalf of the City of York.

Cllr Chris Steward, leader of City of York Council, said: “Friday’s attack by Islamic terrorists was horrifying and we stand united in York in sending to French people and Paris in particular our collective thoughts and wishes at this very difficult time.

"So close to home this brings into focus the horrors of terrorism throughout the world and those that tragically suffer.”

Cllr Keith Aspden, deputy council leader, said: “Today we have joined councils from across the region to write to the Mayor of Paris and express our support and condolences to the capital. Our thoughts are with the families and friends of those who have been affected by the violence and who have lost loved ones.”

>>> Read the Lord Mayor's letter to her Paris counterpart here