OWNERS of York's shops, bars and landmarks are being urged to decorate their properties in rainbow colours and lighting this summer to show their support for York Pride.

Gay Pride 2015, which will culminate with a colourful parade through the city centre followed by a festival on Saturday June 20, was launched last night at York St John University.

It has again won backing from organisations including City of York Council, York City Football Club and major sponsor Benenden, and chair Greg Stephenson said it was getting out the message that York was a place where people would find a warm welcome and could enjoy a happy life if they are lesbian, gay, trans or bisexual.

"In 2015, we want that to be apparent to everyone living in York or visiting the city, with the rainbow flag – the international symbol of LGBT Pride – all over York,” he said.

Sophie McGill, a director of York City FC, spoke of the importance of celebrating York as a diverse and forward-thinking place and asked businesses and organisations across the city to show their backing through rainbow flags and their own displays in rainbow colours.

City of York Council has already agreed to fly the rainbow flag above the Mansion House after first agreeing to the symbolic gesture in 2013 and council leader Dafydd Williams was one of the guest speakers at last night's launch.

Paul Keenan, head of communications at Benenden, said it had been supporters of York Pride for the past two years and had been very impressed with the work it did to promote equality and inclusivity in the city.

"Benenden’s own mutual community has its foundations in the principles of equality and fairness and is proud to be open to everyone," he said. "This is why we’ve decided to continue as main sponsors for 2015."