FANS and the business community are being urged to flock to the Barbican a week on Friday to help launch the York City Supporters' Trust.

The main aims of the trust are to ensure the continuation of professional football in York and secure representation for supporters in the future ownership and operation of York City.

Sophie McGill, spokesperson for the Save City Campaign appealed to the people and businesses of the city to turn out in strength for the historic event.

"We want to build a stronger York City. A club that embraces its relationships with the supporters, the community, City of York Council, local schools and local businesses.

Only on this basis the club can improve its finances and that is a key requirement for future survival."

The event, which starts at 7.30pm, will include a mixture of speakers and entertainment to celebrate the launch.

The Save City Committee are busy organising and planning the event at the Barbican, that has been provided free of charge by the City of York Council.

People and businesses will be able to sign up as trust members on the night.

The trust will be run by a Steering Committee until the first annual meeting later this year when democratic elections will be held.

McGill added: "We are confident that the trust will play a vital role in helping to secure the future of York City for the benefit of the next generation of fans, the community and local business. We hope as many people as possible turn out on February 1 to support The City."

Doors will open at 7pm.

Meanwhile, the trust has launched its own logo and website which can be found on www.saveyork.co.uk/proofing and includes sections on how to make a donation to the supporters' cause and send in ideas on ways to raise money for the both the club and the trust.

Updated: 11:47 Wednesday, January 23, 2002