Get to know your city - and help to protect it for future generations. That’s the message from York Civic Trust as it prepares for the biggest recruitment drive in its 70-year history.

On Friday, June 23, and Saturday, June 24, the Trust will be setting up a marquee in St Sampson’s Square.

This will be the departure point for 24 free guided walks setting off every half hour throughout the two days.

The walks, many led by experts from the Trust, will focus on everything from Roman, Georgian and medieval York, to the city walls, York’s war memorials, and the stories of the unsung women who have contributed to the city’s history.

But the marquee will also be the centrepiece of a major recruitment drive as the Trust seeks new blood to help it in its main aim of defending and promoting what makes York special - the city’s unique heritage.

Volunteers will be manning stalls in the marquee throughout the two days of the event, and talking to visitors about the Trust’s work, which includes:

• lobbying City of York Council on planning applications

• running major public-participation workshops on issues such as transport in York

• maintaining and improving public spaces, buildings, and monuments through the Trust’s City Enhancement Fund

• running educational projects with local schools

• putting up blue plaques around the city

• maintaining Georgian Fairfax House.

York Civic Trust chief executive Dr David Fraser said that for 70 years, the Trust had been championing the city, helping protect it against inappropriate development.

“But we can’t do any of this without members,” he said. “Our members are our life-blood. The more people who join us, the more powerful and effective our voice can be.”

Civic Trust board member John Vincent, who is organising the recruitment event, added: “The Civic Trust is an independent, impartial force in the life of York, one that’s motivated by one thing only: protecting this city that we all love so much. So if you care about York’s future, why not come along to meet us during the recruitment weekend?”

To find out more, visit www.yorkcivictrust.co.uk