CONCORDE could boost tourism in York if the supersonic aircraft comes to the area.

The Yorkshire Air Museum, at Elvington, near York, has been shortlisted as a possible home for one of Britain's seven redundant Concordes.

British Airways has announced that out of 60 sites across the world, 12 have been shortlisted to house the aircraft. The 12 that are now being considered by the airline include the Yorkshire Air Museum.

The city's tourism bosses believe if Elvington is successful in its bid for one of the legendary planes, it will increase the number of visitors to York.

Gillian Cruddas, chief executive of York Tourism Bureau said: "If Concorde were to come to York it would undoubtedly draw thousands of new visitors to the city. There is a great fascination for Concorde, not just in this country but overseas and its arrival in York would be a massive coup not just for the Yorkshire Air Museum but also for our city's important tourism industry."

Museum director Ian Reed said: "Obviously we are delighted. It would be the making of the museum and would be a first for York and indeed for Yorkshire."

Concorde could also be seen performing at airshows and doing flypasts in the future.

Updated: 10:45 Wednesday, June 25, 2003