York's biggest department store will see the return of the traditional personal assistant - with a modern twist.

When Debenhams asks customers at its big new store in Piccadilly the question: "Are you being served?", it plans to use the personal touch and the latest retail technology to ensure the answer is yes.

The company is set to open a 100,000 square foot store in Piccadilly - creating 200 jobs - as part of the proposed £60 million extension to the Coppergate Centre.

The return of the personal assistant, being piloted in selected Debenhams stores nationwide, will allow the store to keep a customer specification and personal profile on computer, which staff can then call up on the shopper's behalf.

Customers can then try a selection of clothes hand-picked for them according to tastes, budget and size requirements. The assistant will personally conduct customers around the store and assemble their goods.

Meanwhile kingfishers are to get their very own nesting slots at the side of the River Foss as part of developers Land Securities revised plans for the shopping complex, which were submitted to City of York Council last week

John Hopkins, of Landscape Design Associates, said: "Among proposals is the creation of a kingfisher-friendly environment, which we hope will tempt these shy little birds to nest along the river walls."

Other measures include:

protecting the existing sandstone wall and yellow lillies in the river

planting new trees and shrubs

creating a managed wildlife conservation area behind the Castle Museum.

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