A SERVICE will be held in a city-centre church next month to commemorate the 70th anniversary of York’s blitz, in which 72 residents were killed and the church was destroyed.

St Martin-le-Grand in Coney Street was one of about 9,500 York properties which were damaged or ruined in the Baedeker raid, of April 29, 1942.

Church warden Andrew Hingston said that afterwards, St Martin was restored in part as a memorial, and was dedicated to peace and reconciliation. The church had therefore decided to mark the anniversary, remembering those who died, including six German airmen.

He said the civic party and other guests, including a representative from Coventry Cathedral and the main church in Lubeck, Germany, which were both also badly bombed in the war, had been invited to a service at 3pm on April 29, which would be followed by an informal reception at the Guildhall.

Meanwhile, City of York Council is appealing for any residents who witnessed the bombing raid to tell of their personal experiences for York Stories, which is being launched as part of the York 800 celebrations marking the 800th anniversary of the city being granted a Royal charter by King John.

Organisers said contributions to York Stories would go towards a unique social media archive for the city archives and provide the inspiration for an original artwork by artist Kane Cunningham. The stories would also be embedded into the city walls for prosperity.

A spokesman said residents could use whatever medium they wanted to tell their York story, including words, music, voice, audio, digital media, video, poetry, letters, lyrics in a song, a play, a blog or even a tweet.

Coun Sonja Crisp, Cabinet member for leisure, culture and social inclusion, said: “York Stories is a brilliant way for residents to help preserve the rich history of York in new and exciting ways, so that future residents can learn what it was like to live in this wonderful city.”

• Anyone wanting to get involved in York Stories should email york800@york.gov.uk

• See Yesterday Once More in Monday’s Press to read about the rebuilding of St Martin-le-Grand church.