York is getting behind a bid to make sure that servicemen and women feel really welcome in the city.

The council and local retailers have joined forces with 'Heroes welcome in the UK', to support British Armed Forces personnel, their families and veterans.

Businesses across the city will be invited to display a 'Heroes Welcome' logo to show that they are happy to offer a discount, service upgrade or special acknowledgement to military personnel.

The initiative, which was first launched in Scarborough, has now been adopted in over 30 towns across the UK. The scheme is being championed in York by the Lord Mayor, Councillor Susan Galloway.

The Lord Mayor, said: "As a garrison city, it seems only right that we officially recognise the courage and sacrifice of our servicemen and women and their families.
"York is a very friendly city and the 'Welcome the Heroes' initiative is just another way of extending York's traditionally warm welcome to all sections of the community, whether they have lived in the city for years, will be based here for a short time or are simply visiting."

Retailers and organisations can give as much or as little support to servicemen and women as they're able, whether it's a discount, or simply an extra warm smile. There is no cost involved in signing up to the initative.

Organisations interested in signing up for the scheme should email heroeswelcome@york.gov.uk or call Paul Barrett, City Centre manager on 01904 552272.

The York scheme will be officially launched at the Mansion House on 9 November, when the Lord Mayor will meet retailers, representatives from the Armed Forces and John Senior, the Heroes Welcome co-ordinator.