TV presenter Harry Gration today launched the Evening Press Proud To Be York 1999 campaign and described the city as a "true delight".

When Harry met Sammy... Harry Gration launches the campaign with help from an Evening Press Sammy newspaper vendor. Picture: Mike Tipping

The Look North presenter gave his full support to the campaign, which aims to inspire civic pride by making the city look welcoming, clean and colourful.

The campaign, which was first launched last year after the Ecofin conference when the city was looking its best, will once again appeal to businesses, schools, residents and tourist attractions.

The winners of the four categories will receive a cash prize of £500 and a plaque.

Everyone who enters will get a special certificate for taking part.

Harry, who lives between Leeds and York, said: "I visit York four or five times a week and it has played a big part in my life."

Proud To Be York 1999 already has the backing of the Lord Mayor of York, Councillor Derek Smallwood, the York Residents' Association, the City of York Council and various York businesses and schools.

Councillor Derek Smallwood said: "This is a great campaign and I'm delighted it's running again. Everyone who lives in York appreciates what they have and they should get involved in the campaign."

The campaign - which last year proved to be a huge success - will offer a series of awards for the most effective and imaginative projects to boost the city's attractions.

These projects could include a clean-up operation of a rundown property or piece of land, a regular litter patrol, floral displays or the creation of a wildlife area.

There will be four awards including the best business category, best youth project, a resident category and the smartest tourist attraction.

Major sponsors for the awards include Yorkshire Water and Railtrack.

Other sponsors will be announced soon.

Evening Press editor Liz Page said: "We aim to build on the success of last year's launch campaign and make it bigger and better than ever.''

Click here for Proud to be York

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.