Our Proud To Be York campaign will carry on this Christmas - with the primary aim of ensuring that the city has an impressive and attractive display of Christmas lights.

In previous years there has been widespread criticism of the city of York's Christmas lights compared with - say - the towns of Tadcaster and Harrogate.

It has been felt that York was the poor relation of its neighbours.

The omens, however, are much better for this Christmas.

Already the City of York Council is working closely with York city centre traders and a campaign was launched in May of this year.

The Evening Press kicked off the scheme with a donation of £1,000 and the council has agreed to match funds raised by traders pound for pound.

This campaign was given a massive boost this month by the decision of BAA McArthurGlen, the owner of the new Naburn Designer Outlet Village on the outskirts of York, to donate £10,000 to ensure that York has its best-ever festive lights display this Christmas.

Councillor Derek Smallwood, the Lord Mayor of York, said he hoped that this donation would be just the first in a series of important boosts to the Christmas Lights Fund.

see COMMENT 'Let pride in city shine on'

see NEWS 'We're Proud to be York'

see PROUD TO BE YORK

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