BATTLELINES have been drawn between Hull and York as our neighbours on the east coast get ready for their year as UK City of Culture.

Hull takes the title in 2017, and ahead of that Hull City Council's tourism boss has reportedly said his city's attractions will soon outstrip York.

Cllr Terry Geraghty told the Hull Daily Mail: "York will not be a patch on Hull. We will become 'the' key city in Yorkshire, ahead of York, Leeds or Sheffield.

"York has The Shambles but that's about it. Look at all things we've got in our city.

"Visitors to this city tell me things like 'Where has Hull been hiding all these years?'.

"Look at what is happening. We have a lot to be proud of. Hull is becoming an absolute gem and it's only going to get better heading into our year as City of Culture."

Hull's The Deep is an internationally recognised attraction, and it boasts anti slavery campaigner William Wilberforce as a favourite son, while poet Philip Larkin made the city his adopted home.

York Press:

The Shambles during Illuminate York

But do those attractions measure up to our centuries-old Minster and world renowned racecourse, not to mention York's Roman and Viking history, the picture-postcard Shambles, the ancient city walls, the ever-popular Jorvik Viking Centre, the newly refurbished Art Gallery, the Castle Museum, the Yorkshire Museum and its beautiful gardens, the smell of chocolate-making on the breeze....?

York Minster's social media accounts have weighed in on the debate, writing on The Press Facebook page: 

"...might as well not be here *kicks turf*"

And later tweeting: 

The final word may have come from York's tourist agency Make it York, who pointed out that a two-city break could be the answer to a tourist's Hull v York dilemma.

The Head of Communications Kay Hyde said: "York and Hull are two very different vibrant cities.

"York undoubtedly has a strong reputation for its history and heritage, as well as its world-class attractions such as York Minster, the National Railway Museum and JORVIK. 

"York has over thirty visitor attractions, unrivalled shopping and a festival for every month of the year. And with the re-opening of York Theatre Royal, the homecoming of the Flying Scotsman and the Mystery Plays at York Minster in May there are more reasons to visit York this year than ever before."

York Press:

The Humber Bridge

She added: "But it is brilliant too to see Hull’s transformation taking shape in readiness for the Year of Culture. 

"Hull has always been a welcoming place and 2017 will be a really exciting year for the city. With attractions such as the spectacular Humber Bridge, the Ferens Art Gallery, The Deep and the fascinating old town of Hull, we’re confident visitors to Yorkshire will enjoy the contrast between the two cities. 

"We hope more visitors to York and Yorkshire will consider a two-city break and stay in the region for even longer."