YOBS have given visitors the worst possible impression of York - right at the start of the new tourist season.

Tourists were subjected to a double whammy of shameful behaviour on land and water:

A boat trip along the Ouse was spoilt when visitors were twice spat on by children standing on bridges over the river.

American tourists witnessed three drunken thugs brutally kicking a pigeon around in Spurriergate, breaking one of its legs before leaving it stunned in the road.

York Tourism Bureau boss Gillian Cruddas spoke today of her concerns about the upset caused to visitors by such behaviour. "This is extremely worrying and we would like to offer our sincerest apologies," she said.

"While this kind of behaviour could happen anywhere, it is doubly upsetting when you are on holiday."

Alistair Clacher, of Prestwick, Scotland, contacted the Evening Press to say he and his wife had been enjoying a visit to York when they decided to take a trip on the Ouse.

They were sailing beneath Lendal Bridge when passengers were spat on by children.

"It was absolutely disgusting and two older people had to wipe themselves clean," said Mr Clacher. "Although I wasn't directly affected, it certainly spoiled the trip. I was so angry that I wanted to get off the boat and chase the culprits."

But the experience was repeated later when the boat passed under the Millennium Bridge.

"To my horror, there were another two boys waiting for the boat who spat at us. It was so vile and unnecessary.

"This is a real shame as, despite the fact that York is a fantastic place, my over-riding memory of the weekend is that your town tolerates this kind of disrespect to visitors."

A spokeswoman for York Boat, which ran the trip, said: "This kind of situation is very regrettable. We are working with the police to combat this nuisance.

"It is a difficult situation, but we are doing everything we can to ensure passengers enjoy their river experience."

Meanwhile, Anne Rippon, 44, of Osbaldwick, has told of her outrage over the pigeon incident, which happened on Monday afternoon.

She spotted the injured bird being tended by two American tourists, who had seen three drunken men kicking it around like a football.

"How sick can people get to aimlessly kick a pigeon like that? I am appalled they would do such a cruel thing," she said.

Ms Rippon took the pigeon home and has arranged care to ensure the bird recovers.

Updated: 11:20 Wednesday, April 02, 2003