YORK Pride organisers say history will be made next week when staff and students from every secondary school in the city take part in the annual parade.

Chair Greg Stephenson said York High, Millthorpe, Fulford, Joseph Rowntree, Manor Church of England, Vale of York, Huntington, Archbishop Holgate’s, All Saints RC and Tadcaster Grammar Schools will all be involved in the parade on Saturday, June 10, joined by Bootham and other schools under a banner proclaiming ‘York area schools supporting York Pride’.

He said: “This is thought to be the first time anywhere in the world that an LGBT Pride event has achieved the full inclusion of its local schools and it is appropriate that it should happen in the historic city of York.

“York Pride has developed excellent relationships with local schools, which have such a pivotal role in supporting LGBT rights and shaping the attitudes of young people growing up in York. To have them all there in our Pride Parade will be truly heart-warming and an incredible achievement.”

Vice chair Julian Rudd said: “This is so very meaningful for people like me, who grew up with Government legislation that prevented teachers from reassuring LGBT kids or helping direct them to sources of advice.”

York High head David Ellis said: “The positive response of our students has shown that when schools are brave enough to fight prejudice in whatever form their students are fully responsive.”

Manor Academy’s Sarah Richards said it was delighted to be attending its first ever Pride march, which was even more special given the unprecedented significance of having all secondary schools there.

The parade will begin at 11.45am from the Minster and culminate at Knavesmire for an afternoon of live music, food, drink, and activities, with S-Club Party headlining.

Meanwhile, scores of Pride supporters have held hands at Clifford’s Tower to shed light on the difficulty LGBT+ individuals face holding their partner’s hand in public.