BUSINESSES were today urged to fly the flag for York and "dress up" their shops and offices to offer a European welcome to visitors to the Ecofin conference.

As the March summit approaches, York's leaders want businesses to unite in creating a city-wide European theme.

All premises that have a flagpole are being encouraged to fly the blue and yellow European Union flag, or one from a European country.

Retailers are also being asked to continue the theme with imaginative window displays during the Ecofin conference, when York will play host to European finance ministers and about 1,500 journalists.

Boots, Austin Reed and Pickerings bookshop in the city centre have already taken up the challenge.

Alison Greenway, branch manager of Austin Reed, in Parliament Street, said: "We are planning our windows for the event using the York Ecofin logos as a backdrop for our own presentation, which will co-ordinate with the blue and yellow theme.

"We recognise the importance of welcoming the delegates and journalists to our city, not only to maximise our own business but to promote York as a destination city."

Peter Berry, assistant chief executive at the City of York Council, said preparations for the Ecofin conference were gathering momentum.

"Now we want to put the icing on the cake by giving York a really European look," he said.

The council can offer limited assistance to other organisations that want to fly the flag for York. Contact Karen Quinn on 01904 551003.

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