A GENEROUS hotel manager has offered free teas to 100 city residents as an apology for a Residents First Weekend disaster.

Chris Barrett, who runs the Holiday Inn, in Tadcaster Road, has invited readers of the Evening Press to enjoy a cream tea at the hotel on February 10.

It follows a complaint that residents who turned up expecting teas last Sunday, as part of Residents First Weekend, were met by staff who knew nothing about it.

Mr Barrett said: "At times like this, where we have the opportunity to treat our local residents, we should grasp the opportunity to excel at what we do best.

"I can assure you that a full briefing was given to all senior members of the team, and a distinct lack of communication took place. We want to show that Holiday Inn is serious about its commitment to the residents of York."

The invitation to Evening Press readers was volunteered by Mr Barrett in an effort to apologise.

He also offered a free meal to the couple who made the complaint, which featured in yesterday's Evening Press.

He said: "We did mess up on Sunday and I want to make it up to the people of York.

"Hopefully this will let York see that we do care about local people, not just tourists, and I consider it the least we can do."

The cream teas will be served between 3pm and 4.30pm.

To apply, fill in the coupon above and send it to Adam Nichols, Evening Press, 76-86 Walmgate, York, YO1 9YN.

The first hundred received will be forwarded to the Holiday Inn. Proof of postage is not proof of delivery.

Updated: 12:19 Tuesday, January 29, 2002