TWO of York's biggest employers have backed a campaign to clean up the city's streets.

The York Business Pride Challenge Fund, which aims to involve York businesses in improving the local environment, has received a major boost from Norwich Union and the Shepherd Building Group. The firms' donations mean an extra £18,000 for the fund over the next three years, bringing the total amount of private investment in the scheme to around the £140,000 mark.

The companies have both agreed to donate £3,000 to the fund for each of the next three years.

A spokesperson for Shepherd Building Group said: "York Business Pride is important for the wellbeing of York people and for encouraging residents and visitors to take pride in the city. As one of York's largest employers, and a York-based business, Shepherd Building Group is pleased to support this admirable initiative."

David Czerwinski, head of sponsorship and community at Norwich Union, said: "York is one of Britain's great historic cities and through excellent initiatives like York Business Pride we are able to contribute to keeping it a splendid city for both residents and tourists."

Property firm the Helmsley Group has just announced it will be giving £6,000 to the fund over the next three years. An event to celebrate the fund's success so far will take place at Norwich Union on Thursday, April 1.

Updated: 12:13 Monday, February 23, 2004