THE FIRST week-long promotion of green issues in York is bringing groups together in the city centre.

The Environment Week is setting up a base in St Sampson's Square next month.

The event will bring together groups including the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, the British Trust for Conservation Volunteers, Greenpeace and York Park Rangers.

Gordon Campbell Thomas, of St Nicholas Fields, a member of the Wildlink consortium which is organising the event, said: "The different groups involved will show residents what they are doing and inviting them to take part in various activities during the week."

The event will be attended by a group that has toured Europe with The Rising Tide Tour, which demonstrates the effects that climate change is having on the environment.

About 20 stalls are expected to be put in St Sampson's Square during the week, which starts on May 26.

Mr Campbell Thomas said: "We hope to draw the public's attention to the importance the environment plays in everyone's life, and to offer opportunities to people to get involved.

"Not only will being involved help protect our environment for future generations, but it could also help people lead healthier lifestyles by working to tilt the balance in favour of a positive, greener, cleaner York."

Wildlink is best known for its Wildworld weekends at York Cemetery, which provide events aimed at promoting environmental issues to youngsters.

It has also held a one-day exhibition at St Sampson's Square, which drew 700 visitors last year.

Updated: 11:33 Monday, April 16, 2001