A RARE piece of York City folklore is to go under the hammer in aid of a York school's bid for specialist status.

City legend Gary Ford has donated the number seven shirt he wore with pride during the club's 1983-84 record-breaking promotion winning season to Manor School.

The shirt will be auctioned off at the school's upcoming celebratory fundraising dinner, to be staged on October 2 at York Racecourse.

Manor School is trying to raise £50,000 so its application for performing arts college status will be successful.

Ford, one of the best footballers York has ever produced and an ever-present in City's championship winning side, is an ex-Manor pupil. His three sons have all followed in their father's footsteps in also attending the school in Low Poppleton Lane.

City fans who would like to stake a claim for the shirt before the dinner can make a bid by writing to David Crane at Manor School, or by telephoning 01904 520069.

Special guests at the dinner include England's World Cup-winning goalkeeper Gordon Banks and British Lion John Bentley.

Blackburn defender Craig Short, commentator Jon Champion, Premiership referee Matt Messias and panto star Martin Barrass will also be in attendance.

Also up for auction will be a David Beckham signed book and a Robert Pires signed Arsenal shirt. Tickets, priced £32, can be obtained from the school, with organisers stressing it is not a male-only event.

Updated: 11:40 Saturday, September 13, 2003