YORK City's season ticket sales have broken through the four-figure barrier for the first time in years.

Just over 1,000 fans have snapped up next season's tickets for last season's prices with many flocking to take advantage of a discount scheme run through the Evening Press.

And with 170 existing season ticket-holders still to renew their tickets then officials at the club are confident chairman John Batchelor's ambitious target of 1,500 remains realistic.

Secretary Keith Usher, who has worked at the club for 15 years, admitted he could not remember the last time season-ticket sales had breached the four-figure mark.

The current figure easily surpasses last season's total of around 750 sales, even though the tickets have been on sale for just a few weeks.

"It is certainly good news," said Usher.

"I would hope we will reach the 1,250 mark at least and we could be near our target of 1,500 which is very good."

The official deadline for fans to take advantage of the discount offer before prices are hiked up is Sunday.

The ticket office is open on Saturday from 9am to noon and anyone wanting to buy a ticket at the special rate will still be able to do so on Monday.

Fans who have already bought their season tickets will receive their new book in July.

Updated: 11:33 Thursday, May 23, 2002