AS THE current civic year comes to a close in the city of York, can I pay tribute to the splendid role the civic team of the Lord Mayor, Cllr Sonja Crisp, her consort and husband Ian, and the Sheriff and his Lady, Brian and Debby Smith, have played in the life of this wonderful city.

They have worked tirelessly as ambassadors to promote it as a place to invest, visit and shop. But most of all they have made a big contribution in developing links between the city council and the residents especially in the difficult times of the flooding last December.

York is certainly fortunate to have had such a dedicated team to help enhance the reputation of this national treasure.

As part of the North Yorkshire family of local authorities, County Hall and all this year’s civic leaders of the North Yorkshire authorities, can I thank Cllr Crisp and her civic team for all for their support, welcome and vision as we look forward to the continuation of the valued relationship between the Guildhall, County Hall and the district councils, which is to the benefit of not only the city but for the whole of North Yorkshire.

County Cllr David Jeffels, Chairman, North Yorkshire County Council, County Hall, Northallerton