One of York City's 'mane' attractions will feature in his last game at Bootham Crescent on Saturday against Stoke City.

What's up Shippo? Bugs Bunny meets Shippo. Picture: Steven Bradshaw

Shippo the Lion, the popular club mascot who has been with the club since August 1993, will be waving goodbye to home fans for the final time before leaving York - but he is giving youngsters the chance to win a City strip to remember him by.

Shippo is going into retirement and will be replaced by a new mascot, who will be revealed at the home game against Bournemouth on Saturday, May 1.

The following Saturday sees Shippo's final official duty at the last match of the season at Maine Road where he will be a guest of the Manchester City mascot Moonchester.

Immediately after the match Shippo will take a taxi to Manchester Airport and jet off to Hollywood to meet his old chum, Bugs Bunny.

Bugs was in York this week and met up with Shippo at the Warner Brothers complex where they made arrangements for Shippo's visit to America.

City commercial manager Maureen Leslie said that Shippo's replacement was a closely guarded secret and she wished the lionhearted mascot all the best in his retirement.

But where will Shippo be spending his retirement?

City have invited youngsters to write a letter to Maureen Leslie at the club to say where they they think Shippo will be spending his retirement. Letters should be sent to the club at Bootham Crescent, not the Evening Press, by Friday, May 7.

The writer of the best letter will receive a new City strip from the club, so don't forget to put your name, address and telephone number on your letter.

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