A NEWLY-opened restaurant in York has given a cash boost to York Civic Trust and the Lord Mayor's charities.

Panda Mami's restaurant in Bridge Street is its first in the city and to mark the opening of the eatery it decided to donate funds to the Trust and charities that the Lord Mayor of York, Cllr Barbara Boyce, is supporting - Hearing Dogs for Deaf People, Keep Your Pet and Refugee Action York.

The restaurant donated 50 per cent of its first day's takings to the Trust and the other 50 per cent to the Lord Mayor's charities, with both receiving £1,518.68.

David Fraser, chief executive of the Trust, said: "We are delighted to welcome Panda Mami to York.

"We are very grateful for the recognition that every business has a part to play in the economic and cultural life in York.

"We will use the generous donation to improve the environment of the city for the good of all visitors and residents."

Cllr Boyce added: "It's an extremely generous donation and will be of great benefit to the three charities."