STREET parties were held in two York cul-de-sacs in a bid to promote the benefits of being a good neighbour.

The York Housing Association organised yesterday's events in Bismarck Street, off Leeman Road, and Fieldside Place, off Lawrence Street, in celebration of European Neighbours Day.

Kate Spencer, the organisation's operations director, said: "We would like to re-introduce the idea of neighbours looking out for each other.

"In cities today, this spirit of co-operation has often been replaced by indifference which can lead to loneliness or distrust."

She said the association was planning the events to nurture community relations as part of a joint initiative with the National Housing Federation.

"European Neighbours Day was started in Paris nine years ago and has been attracting more and more participants as the need to foster good community relations increases.

"By encouraging the residents of a block of flats or street to get together, Neighbours' Day encourages friendship, solidarity and tolerance amongst those who live in close proximity to each other." She said more than seven million people last year joined the festivities spanning 725 cities in 28 countries.

"While millions of residents from Albania to the Ukraine got to know each other all over Europe and beyond, tenants in two city cul-de-sacs enjoyed street parties as part of the celebrations.

"We invited 30 to 40 households to each party in the hope residents will make a special effort to introduce themselves and get to know each other by sharing a drink and a chat."

She said Neighbours' Day was a great initiative that provided "excellent opportunities to break down barriers between different communities and build good relationships."

Face-painting and bouncy castles were just two of the attractions for children, while adults enjoyed the food and music as well as a quiz.