HOTELIERS, proprietors of bed and breakfasts, restaurateurs and bosses of attractions in York and North Yorkshire are being urged to throw their hats into the training ring.

The plea comes from the York Hospitality Association (YHA), which is organising a series of tailor-made, heavily-subsidised courses throughout the region, right up until the end of March.

Financial backing from the Learning and Skills Council York and North Yorkshire means that the courses cost £50 where on the open market they would normally cost up to six times that figure.

The courses, which will be held at various venues, cover customer care and IT or languages, but should a need be expressed for supervisory or other skills, special courses could be tailored.

Michael Hjort, secretary of the YHA, said: "This is an amazing opportunity to get you or your staff individual training to meet your needs.

"If we want York to remain as a first-class visitor destination then our staff need to be trained to the highest standards."

Mr Hjort's exhortation on training comes as the YHA announces a big increase in membership this year, from 107 members to 140 - and just 20 of these were gained through the merger of the association with the York Guest House Association at the beginning of the year.

Anyone interested in the courses for the New Year should phone Debbie Waite on 01904 635149.

Updated: 11:43 Friday, December 12, 2003