CAMPAIGNERS are to build a giant collage of postcards calling on City of York Council leaders to clear genetically-modified foods from their plates.

The protesters want the city council to declare itself "GM-free" and to take steps to stop crops that have been genetically-altered from being grown on their land.

Members of York and Ryedale Friends of the Earth believe such crops could contaminate other plants and damage our food and the environment.

The all-day event, on Saturday, will be part of a nationwide movement of up to 70 protests staged by the GM-Free Britain Campaign.

Organiser Josie Downs, of Friends Of The Earth, said: "We are building this collage to show the council that people in York do not want their food, farming and wildlife threatened by GM pollution.

"This is a crucial time in the GM debate because the Government will soon decide whether to allow GM crops to be commercially grown in the UK.

"If this happens, our right to continue to choose GM-free food will disappear. Other councils have taken a stand against GM crops and food by voting to go GM-free. We want York Council to make the same commitment."

The group is calling on City of York Council to write to the European Commission and the UK Government asking them to prevent particular crops from being grown here.

Campaigners are also asking the council to ensure that no GM crops are grown on publicly-owned land and to adopt a GM-free policy for goods and services.

New European legislation gives local authorities more powers to gain legal protection for their area from particular types of genetically-modified crop.

A spokeswoman for the council, said: "As with all petitions, we will ensure that the collage is handed over. It is up to councillors to debate and discuss the issues surrounding GM produce and farming and to decide on an appropriate policy for the council."

The protest will take place in Parliament Street, outside the Marks & Spencer store, on Saturday from 10am onwards.

Updated: 09:06 Wednesday, April 09, 2003