The Lord Mayor of York, Councillor Janet Hopton, will officially receive the Loving Cup of England on Tuesday (6 March) on behalf of York citizens.

The history of the ancient cup was originally steeped in treachery and murder, but is now being used to bring people together as it takes a three month grand tour of 50 cities in England, as part of the celebrations for St George's Day (23 April).

The cup will be filled with English apple juice to enable people from all walks of like to drink from it in an act of common celebration of peace, friendship, and harmony within their community and the communities of England.

Councillor Janet Hopton, the Lord Mayor of York, said: "I am delighted that our city will be joining in this unique event. We are a city with a long and proud history of tradition and service and I know the people who live and work here feel a sense of pride in our community."

Chairman and national organiser, Bruno Peek OBE, said: "I believe the people of York will agree that there is much to celebrate in England. We all lead such busy lives that little of our time is devoted to recognising and appreciating the place in which we live. That's why St George's Day is so important and the Grand Tour of the Loving Cup will, I believe, act as a catalyst to get us all thinking about this great country of ours. Not only that, but it gives us the opportunity to raise thousands of pounds for three very deserving charities. I am very much looking forward to visiting the City of York with this unique cup."

The organisers hope that on April 23, people of all ages an from different backgrounds and cultures will get behind the celebrations buy organising their own events. It is hoped that any fundraising events will support three chosen charities: Association for international cancer Research (AICR); Royal National Institute for Deaf People (RNID); Women's Royal Voluntary Service (WRVS).