Thousands of students will flood into the city for the new term bringing a welcome boost to many businesses in the city.

Town-gown relations in York are among the best in the country and many locals are glad it is October again.

Pubs, clubs, taxi firms, late-night take-aways and curry houses are all set to benefit as York's student population, which exceeds 10,000, start spending their borrowed money in the city.

Victoria Frame, owner of Victor J's caf-bar, in Finkle Street, is looking forward to the return of her "regulars".

"We heavily rely on tourists through the summer, but the students are always familiar faces who keep us going through the winter," she said.

"They mix very well with locals and there is always a nice atmosphere with them around."

Steve Rogers, owner of Ziggy's nightclub, is also looking forward to the return of the youngsters.

"It is always nice to have them here," said Steve, who has developed a range of special offers to tempt the students to his club.

"They keep us very busy during the week and they are always a lot of fun."

The Rose & Crown, a Lawrence Street pub which has become a traditional haunt for York University students, has already seen an improvement in business.

Georgia Clarey, who recently took over at the pub with her brother Paul, is looking forward to her first term with the students.

"Things have begun to pick up the last couple of weeks," she said.

"We are expecting it to get even busier from today, and the live music and quiz should keep them coming in."

Waterstones bookshop, in High Ousegate, York, has been gearing up for the return of the students since July when it started stocking up on academic publications.

Assistant manager Lynda Milner said: "We have been very busy supplying books as students start their new courses.

"We try and help them stretch their grants with special offers and special discount days."

Banks are also keen to see the students return - and Heslington village will be besieged with new arrivals securing overdrafts and credit facilities at the various branches.