SEASON ticket prices at York City will be frozen next season – but match day admission will go up by £1.

The Bootham Crescent-based club have announced that, despite the VAT increase in January, the cost of a campaign-long ticket at the ground will remain at the same levels as 2010/11.

That means an adult season ticket in the David Longhurst Stand, if purchased by June 8 will be £242 – equivalent to £10.52 per match. Fans will also be able to pay in two instalments in June and July.

Season tickets for children under 12 will be £46.

But match admission prices will increase by £1 for all areas of the ground next season, meaning David Longhurst Stand will go up from £14 to £15.

Sophie Hicks, communications and community director, said: “We have decided to freeze the prices of season tickets in order to show support to our loyal fans who commit to the club each season.

“We also want to encourage more supporters to become season ticket holders and hope to see membership increase as we believe our season tickets are good value for money.

“To ease financial pressure, fans will also be able to pay in two instalments in June and July, which we hope will prove helpful.”

Hicks continued: “We have not increased admission prices for several years, but we do need to recover costs from this year’s VAT increase and also increased utility and maintenance costs at the ground.

“Our new prices are in line with other former Football League clubs in the Blue Square Bet Premier league.

“Increasing prices is something we are reluctant to do, but we must ensure escalating costs are met.”

City pointed out that their new prices were in line with both Luton Town and Mansfield Town, who charge £15 for standing, and Rushden & Diamonds, who charge £17 for their cheapest adult ticket.

Season ticket application forms will be available on the York City website from Monday and will be posted to all existing season ticket holders.

For further information, phone the City ticket office on 01904 624447 ext 1.