CITY elders want to strike a fresh blow for York's independence.

The city's past Sheriffs have called on their fellow citizens to stop adding North Yorkshire to their postal address, and for TV broadcasters to stop treating the city as part of the county.

Peter Brown, Sheriff of York in 1990-91, said it was now a decade since the city regained its independence from North Yorkshire, and it was high time people got it right and helped reassert York's proud and ancient heritage.

He said some company computer databases still used old postal addresses, which included North Yorkshire - and rejected York addresses if the mention of North Yorkshire was omitted.

"York is not legally part of North Yorkshire, but there is still a perception in some people's minds, and even among local people, that York is part of North Yorkshire," said Mr Brown.

The only link that remained with North Yorkshire in practical terms related to the police and fire authorities.

Historically, York has always been independent from the surrounding county, except for a spell from 1974 to 1995 when York was included in North Yorkshire.

In 1386, Richard II created the city of York in its own right, separate from the Ridings, and set up the office of Sheriff.

Since then, every incoming Sheriff has taken an oath to preserve and protect the city.

The coat of arms of the city includes the "cap of maintenance", giving the Sheriff the right to raise an army independently of the Crown.

The cap, given to the city by Elizabeth I is kept in a glass case in the Mansion House.

Mr Brown said that the chances of the Sheriff raising an army today were somewhat slim, but it was one of the many cherished traditions of the city that should not be forgotten.

"This isn't an earth shattering issue, and I'm not saying there aren't more important things happening in the world, but York's independence is something fought for and protected for centuries and it's a pity to lose it," said Mr Brown.

A spokeswoman for the BBC: "In practical terms for day to day reporting we refer to the area geographically, and it's not something we get a lot of complaints about from the general public."

What do shoppers in the city think?

Malcolm Smurthwaite, 69, of Wilton Rise, York

"We like to look after ourselves in York, but I don't think it's very important."

Neil Jones, 46, of Aldborough Way, York

"I often get letters sent to me with North Yorkshire as part of my address and it doesn't make any difference. It's ridiculous."

Anne Hutton, 66, from Copmanthorpe, "What difference does it make? I just put York on my address anyway."

Updated: 08:45 Wednesday, April 13, 2005