York flies flag for longest bunting (From York Press)

World record-breaking bunting to go on display in York

8:09am Wednesday 30th January 2013 in News By Mike Laycock, Chief reporter

THE world’s biggest ever line of bunting – more than 2.3 miles long – will go on display in York city centre this weekend.

The bunting, comprising more than 15,600 pieces, has been made by Leeds and York Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, which provides mental health and learning disability services.

Groups from York collectively contributed more than 1,000 metres of bunting, with contributors including including Poppleton Ousebank Primary School, York City Knights and York City Football Club.

The bunting will be showcased at York’s Coppergate Shopping Centre from Saturday and remain there for the whole of February The trust launched a campaign, dubbed “What’s Your Goal?” last February to raise awareness about the relationship between mental and physical health.

Chief executive Chris Butler said evidence showed that setting goals was good for wellbeing and, by writing it down, people were much more likely to achieve it.

“The campaign has had a fantastic response from the public, and without a doubt we have encouraged more conversations about mental health and wellbeing.”

By holding the record-breaking bunting at such a central location, the Trust hopes to get shoppers thinking and talking about setting goals and mental health wellbeing.

A spokesman said: “The Coppergate centre is an ideal location to showcase the bunting due to the high footfall of shoppers visiting stores such as Fenwick and Topshop, and families using the popular tourist attraction The Jorvik Centre and the picturesque outdoor setting.”

Centre manager Deb O’Donnell, said she was very pleased it had the facilities to display such “wonderful and inspirational art”.

She said: “I hope the bunting and the hard work of the NHS Foundation Trust gets the admiration it deserves at the Coppergate.”