OVER 60 businesses in the centre of York have scooped prizes for the warmth of their welcome to children.

City of York Council's annual Child Friendly York award scheme kicked off this week, with businesses including Borders Bookshop clinching the honours.

The scheme is now in its sixth year, and aims to encourage city shopkeepers to make York a more pleasant place for toddlers and five-year-olds to visit.

The awards are independently monitored by the National Childbirth Trust, and are supported by the Evening Press. Winners ranged from top stores and hotels to tea rooms, swimming pools and community centres.

The four awards were:

Child Friendly Play, for providing a safe and stimulating play area

Child Friendly Access, for good pushchair access and clear store guides and signposts.

Child Friendly Facilities, for nappy changing areas and private areas for breast-feeding

Knife and Fork award for cafes and restaurants offering children's portions.

Ten businesses won awards in all categories, but the NCT's Sinead Tingley singled out Murton Park and the Spurriergate Centre for special mention, adding: "It's the staff who make the real difference."

All businesses which gained awards are now listed in the Child Friendly York guide, which is available from tourist information centres, libraries, council receptions and park and ride sites.

You can also get a copy from the ante-natal clinic at York District Hospital.

PICTURE: Lorna Duncan, of Borders bookshop, York, with Sinead Tingley and her children, Megan and Daniel, at the bookshop, which is one of the winners of the Child Friendly York awards

Picture: Frank Dwyer