A York store is making a desperate plea to its twin in America in a bid to reassure fearful US citizens that the city is open for business.

Managers at the Asda store in Monks Cross believe the city is a stay-away zone as far as many Americans are concerned, because of the foot and mouth crisis. In response, the store is sending more than a hundred brochures promoting the region to its twin in South Carolina.

Wendy Neale, events co-ordinator at the store, said: "York is being avoided by American tourists because of confusion about the foot and mouth crisis. We want to play our part in bringing them back and we will use our links to do everything we can."

Usually, Americans make up the vast majority of York's overseas visitors, with thousands coming to the city every year.

But numbers have dropped markedly since the foot and mouth outbreak.

Most York hotels are enjoying healthy booking numbers for this weekend, as people get away to the city for the Easter break.

Gillian Cruddas, chief executive for the York Tourism Bureau, said phones at the Tourist Information Centre have not stopped ringing. Most people are booking for two nights and the city is fast becoming full.

She said: "Without a doubt we are experiencing the busiest period since before the floods - in fact since last summer.

"Our message to visitors is that there is lots happening in York and there has never been a better time to visit. The new Jorvik is proving to be a fantastic draw. All of York's city centre attractions are open and we are looking forward to a very busy weekend."

Some hotels and guest houses say that, during busy periods, they will only accept bookings for a minimum of three nights.

But elsewhere, some country pubs could be forced to close as business hits rock bottom.

The county's rural inns are urging visitors to come back in a desperate effort to keep alive the great British pub experience.

Updated: 14:37 Wednesday, April 11, 2001