A YORK resident scooped a Christmas present of a different kind - six months' free bus travel in the city.

Shareen Donkin, from Acomb, won the prize thanks to a competition run in partnership with bus company First, City of York Council and Norwich Union.

Shareen won the golden ticket as part of a Norwich Union drive to reduce congestion around their offices.

As part of that initiative, Norwich Union employees were given a travel guide, produced by First and the council.

The guide spelled out the bus routes that served the company's three sites at Monk Cross, Clifton Park and the city centre.

City of York Council officers are now working with all major employers in the city on a range of measures to encourage the use of alternative modes of transport.

Coun Tracey Simpson-Laing, the council's executive member for transport, said: "The aim of partnership working is to enhance the local environment and alleviate the problems caused by congestion in the peak hours in the journey to and from work."

Initiatives include developing tailored information, in partnership with transport operators across the city, to meet the needs of people working at specific sites.

Peter Edwards, First commercial manager, said: "We are very supportive of any initiatives to encourage group travel.

"We hope to be working closely with the city council and other employers to tailor make their travel plans for people to get to and from their place of work."

Updated: 10:52 Tuesday, December 24, 2002