23/07/2010

As York gears up for a sensational summer, visitors and residents arriving in the city will find a dedicated VIP team who will be on hand seven days a week until 5 September helping holiday makers, day-trippers and local shoppers get the very best from their time in the historic city.  As well as at their base in St Helen's Square, the VIP service will operate in key visitor hot spots across the city, including coach and car parks.

Created and managed by Visit York and supported by Welcome to Yorkshire, the VIP service has four main sponsors including York Dungeon, York Museums Trust, the National Railway Museum and Jorvik.  Visitors to the bright pink information barrow will find a host of literature on York and Yorkshire's renowned attractions, including the Yorkshire Pass, which once purchased offers free entry to over 70 visitors attractions across the city and region. 

Chris Morton, Visit York's Visitor Information Centre Manager, said: "Having this information service ‘on the ground' across the city's hot spots allows visitors to access great advice and insider tips whilst on the move.

"The VIP team, who will not be missed in bright pink branded t-shirts, have extensive knowledge of York and all its attractions and, as they live here, they will also be able to share information on all the hidden treasures that help make York the vibrant and inspiring city it is."

One of the team, 18 year old Daniel Wilder, grew up in York and attended the Joseph Rowntree School. He is due to start at Lancaster University in September where he will study English Literature. Daniel said: "I'm looking forward to offering great ideas on everything from where to eat, how to get around and what not to miss.  We hope visitors and residents will look out for us on patrol and use the service as much as possible."

Working alongside Daniel is Connor Midgeley, aged 19, also from York. Connor is currently studying for a joint honours degree in IT and Business Management at York St John University. Completing the team is Marie Vial, aged 18, who attends Université de Savoie in France where she studies French.

David and Marie will also be able to offer extra help to some overseas visitors thanks to their working knowledge of French, Japanese and Ukraine.  Merchant Adventurers' Hall, YorkBoat, English Heritage - Cliffords Tower and York City Sightseeing are also supporting the service.  To find out more about Visit York, go to: http://www.visityork.org/ .  ENDS