ONE of York’s largest employers, insurance giant Aviva, has become the main sponsor of York Pride for the next three years.

The company will support the local Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Trans (LGBT) charity as it seeks to make York the friendliest city in the UK for the LGBT community.

Organisers say the partnership is an extension of Aviva’s commitment to equality in the workplace, as it continually strives to create an increasingly diverse and inclusive workplace.

“The Aviva Pride LGBT and Allies network has more than 1,600 members across the UK and the company has been the only insurer included in the Top 100 Employers in Stonewall’s Workplace Equality Index for the last ten years, ranking at 39 in the 2017 Index,” said a spokesman.

Greg Stephenson, Chair of York Pride, said he was ‘incredibly excited and honoured’ by the agreement with Aviva.

“They have always supported the work that we have done, and it’s brilliant to see the relationship develop in new and exciting ways,” he said.

“Aviva’s existing work on LGBT inclusion is incredible, and it seems fitting that one of York’s biggest employers is partnering with the charity that provides the biggest celebration of LGBT culture in York. It really stresses that no matter who you are, or who you love, you have the right to celebrate your identity and feel safe in your city.”

Lauren Peel, Chair of Aviva Pride, said: “In the year we celebrate 10 years of Aviva Pride, I’m thrilled that Aviva is partnering with York Pride, particularly as we’ve been supporting York Pride since we established our network.

“We know that people can only do the best work of their lives when they do not have to hide who they are, and we’re proud to work with York Pride to create this environment across our city for everyone.”

Last year’s York Pride was the highest attended such event, with an estimated 8,000 people attending the parade and main event throughout the day.

*This year’s York Pride will take place on Saturday,June 10. It will begin with a mile-long parade to Knavesmire, where there will be stage entertainment, music, stalls, and food and drink. For more information, go to yorkpride.org.uk.