Information patrol offers VIP treatment for visitors to city

Launched by Visit York outside Betty's in St Helen's Square, the team will help the local tourist industry gear up for summer, being on hand seven days a week until September 5 to tell people where to go to enjoy themselves.

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.

Visitors to the bright pink information stand will find a host of literature on York and Yorkshire's renowned attractions, including the Yorkshire Pass. Once purchased, it offers free entry to more than 70 visitors attractions across the city and region.

Visit York's Visitor Information Centre manager Chris Morton said: "Having this information service on the ground across the city's hotspots 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."

All the team are students or just starting university. Languages spoken include French, Japanese and Ukraine.

Daniel Wilder, 18, said: "I'm looking forward to offering great ideas on everything from where to eat, how to get around and what not to miss."

The local tourism industry also has a big stake in the new service which is mainly sponsored by four of the city's biggest attractions – York Dungeon, York Museums Trust, the National Railway Museum and the Jorvik Viking centre.