A CALL went out today for supporters to help flood the city's first dedicated sports bar with York memorabilia.

Victoria Vaults landlord Mike Hird takes the reigns at his second pub on Monday .

He is re-launching the neighbouring Edward VII, in Nunnery Lane, as a sports mecca - and urged residents to scour homes for old photographs, shirts and other sporting memorabilia.

Former Yorkshire Rugby Union back row Mike has teamed up with ex-Yorkshire Cricket Club player and Cock and Bottle landlord Alan Jackson to launch the "gallery of memories".

They hope the new Victoria Sports Bar - boasting two giant screens, scores of televisions and serving beers and food - will become a haven for fans of all ages.

Said Mike: "This will not just be a pub showing satellite sports, it will be a gallery of sporting memorabilia in York.

"York has always been a fantastic sporting city and a lot of quality professionals have come out of the city's amateur teams."

The experienced landlord assured would-be donators their prize-possessions would be well looked after. "Everything will be insured and very carefully placed on the walls," he added. "Things like jerseys and caps will be put in cases and everything will be clearly marked so people know who has donated them.

"Lots of people have these things stuck in drawers and never use them Now they can be put somewhere where they will be enjoyed."

A photograph of York City legend Tom Mitchell playing golf in the 1930s at the former Hob Moor Golf Club may be one of the first additions.

Mike, who will continue to run the Vaults as normal, wants historic items relating to York City, York rugby league teams and York links to Yorkshire Cricket Club, and anything relating to local sporting interest.

Anyone interested in donating archive material should phone Mike on 01904 654307.

Updated: 09:38 Saturday, December 06, 2003