York has been recognised as one of Britain's top tourist attractions.

The Good Britain Guide 2003 has named it as their Visitor city of the Year.

The reward comes in recognition of what the guide describes as York's "remarkably varied things well worth visiting".

The city's mix of heritage sites, ancient buildings, walks and varied entertainments drew particular praise.

Huge compliment

Gillian Cruddas, chief executive of the York Tourism Bureau hailed the "excellent news" and said he hoped it would be the first of more awards to come.

"This is a huge compliment for everyone involved in the tourism industry in York," she said.

The York Minster, National Railway Museum and Jorvik centre drew particular praise by the book.

But although they are proud of their heritage, the tourism board are keen to point out that York offers much more.

"We have also moved with the times to offer our visitors modern cafe bars, stylish designer shops and fabulous new restaurants," added Ms. Cruddas.