FORMER sports minister Tony Banks has thrown his weight behind the campaign to save York City.

He is one of 26 MPs to have so far signed a House of Commons early day motion backing the Minstermen's fight for survival.

Mr Banks, an avid football fan, applauded the decision by City fans to set up a supporters' trust.

The motion was put down by local MPs Hugh Bayley, John Greenway, John Grogan, Lawrie Quinn and Phil Willis on Monday night.

Updated: 11:40 Thursday, February 07, 2002