A YORK respite centre which cares for people with multiple sclerosis was welcoming the new Lord Mayor of York today as he launched his charities of the year.

Councillor Chas Hall has chosen the Multiple Sclerosis Society and Sight Savers International as his two charities.

Civic events throughout the year will help to raise vital funds for both good causes.

Today Coun Hall was visiting Woodlands Respite Care Centre, Thief Lane, York, which is run by the MS Society, to meet residents, staff and volunteers.

Later this month he will visit Tomlinson Furniture Group in Tockwith, near York, where staff are regular fundraisers for Sight Savers International - a charity which works to prevent and treat blindness all over the world.

Coun Hall said before today's visit: "There is as yet no known factor that causes multiple sclerosis and no cure. It strikes without warning and has its greatest impact during the period of career development when individuals are aged 20 to 40. All sufferers need some form of help or support and some respite care. We are fortunate in York that there is a respite care centre that is available to local residents and for those from other areas.

"This facility, building and staff, are maintained by donations to this charity.

"I hope that York residents will attend the functions that I will be hosting during the year to support this charity."

Meanwhile York shop staff were getting on their fancy dress outfits tonight for a city centre treasure hunt in aid of Woodlands Respite Care Centre.

About 70 people from local businesses including Fenwick and Marks & Spencer were touring York pubs looking for clues, collecting money along the way.

Paula Rawding, manager of Woodlands, said: "We are so grateful for the generous support from all the participants in this event.

"We hope to raise lots of money from the collections in the ten different pubs we will be visiting and from the raffle, which will be held in the last pub on the treasure hunt route.

"Mandy Smith, from Fenwick department store, has done a fabulous job of organising this fundraising event and all the staff and guests at Woodlands are extremely grateful for all her hard work and support."

Updated: 10:13 Wednesday, June 04, 2003