THE LORD Mayor of York is putting out a call for the city's smaller community groups - so she can help raise their profile during her year in office.

Each year, the Lord Mayor of York leaves their unique stamp on the city and this year Lord Mayor Cllr Barbara Boyce and her civic party say they want to visit as many small, "hard to reach" community groups as possible.

Cllr Boyce said: "There are many important civic and traditional events which appear in the diary every year which it is a great honour to attend, but we also want to reach out to smaller community based groups that are adding an enormous amount to the life of our city.

"The Sheriff and I want to join these groups to show support for the wonderful work they are doing and for the dedication of the individuals involved."

York is "brimming with charities, voluntary groups, community groups, hobby groups and local businesses that are doing incredible work", and the Lord Mayor and Sheriff of York want to hear from them.

Visits do not have to be "grand, traditional or formal", they added, but can be to anyone doing useful and interesting work that is bringing something of value to York. Anyone who wants to invite the Lord Mayor or civic party to visit their group can get in touch via www.york.gov.uk/lordmayor or by ringing the civic office on 01904 551011.