RESTAURANT staff throughout York will donate half their tips to charity, in a special one-off event.

The Tips For Mind day will be held on Saturday, with staff in up to 20 restaurants and cafés throughout the city donating 50 per cent of their tips to York Mind, the mental health charity.

Ian Savage, York Mind’s fundraising manager, said the charity has been overwhelmed by the response from local restaurants, after the scheme was suggested by a volunteer.

He said: “One of our volunteers, Emma Butler, came up with the idea and spent a bit of time contacting some local eating places to see what response they would get.

“Almost all of the people she spoke to said they thought it was a great idea, and we’ve had some great items donated to us which we’ll be giving out as prizes to the members of staff who get the most tips.”

So far, restaurants taking part include Jamie’s Italian, Evil Eye Lounge in Stonegate, Ask in Blake Street, Zizzi in Lendal, Loch Fyne in Fossgate, Pitcher & Piano in Coney Street, and Ambience and Cafe 68, both in Gillygate.

Ian said he hoped more restaurants and cafés around the city would also take part in the scheme, and urged anyone who was interested to phone Peter Gorbert at York Mind on 01904 643364.