York City's Supporters' Trust have been named the best in the country after taking top honours at the 2003 Supporters Direct and Co-operative Bank National Trust of the Season awards night.

City's Trust were specially-commended runners-up to AFC Wimbledon in 2002 but went one better this time around during a year in which they have saved the club from extinction and taken over its ownership.

Trust chairman Richard Snowball welcomed the latest accolade, saying: "The efforts and achievements of York City's supporters over the past couple of years have once again been recognised.

"While we should all be proud of what has been achieved so far, the hard work continues to preserve professional football in York.

"It is a great shame that the threat to kick us out of Bootham Crescent threatens all the good work that has been done so far."

The Supporters' Trust completed a rescue package in March when many people had thought the club was beyond salvation and, under its ownership, the new York City is now implementing its Community Vision although this is threatened by the continued uncertainty caused by the expiry next summer of the current lease at Bootham Crescent.

Judges for the award included representatives from Supporters Direct, the PFA, the Football Supporters' Federation and The Football League and their decision was unanimous following the tremendous successes of City's Trust after all the enormous pressures faced.

Exeter City's Trust, who also now own their football club, were runners-up and Watford came in a close third.

Dave Boyle, the acting manager of Supporters Direct, said: "I know how hard everyone involved with York's Trust has worked over the past couple of years to preserve football in York and it is right that those efforts are publicly acknowledged.

"York City were saved by the only people who cared for it as a community institution and not a potential money-spinner."

"The work of York's Trust is a shining inspiration to fans at other clubs."

The supporters' trust movement - there are now over 100 supporters' trusts in the UK - is starting to play a major role in the changing landscape of British football.

City's Trust will collect £700 prize money and will also hold a commemorative bowl for 12 months. This will be passed to York from last year's winners AFC Wimbledon.

The news of City's award coincides with tonight's Trust annual meeting at the Grand Opera House.

Doors will be open from 7pm for a 7:30pm start and members are requested to bring their membership cards.

The AGM will be followed by a fans' forum with the club's new board of directors and player-manager Chris Brass.

Mitch returns

Midfielder Mitch Ward was being given a run-out for City's reserves at Bootham Crescent this afternoon.

Ward has missed the last five first-team matches after suffering calf and thigh problems in last month's FA Cup clash at his former club Barnsley but he was set to make his comeback in today's Pontins Holiday League Cup clash against Darlington.

Defender Stuart Wise was also expected to start after his injury lay-off and Christian Fox, an unused substitute at Torquay on Saturday, was due to partner Ward in midfield.

Gary Browne, Stephen Downes and Liam George were also scheduled to play.

Updated: 11:06 Wednesday, December 17, 2003