A HUGE marketing campaign to lure people to York for a day-out break or longer is under way.

The concerted plea to visit the city is a joint venture by York-based train operator GNER and Enjoy England, the domestic marketing division of national tourism agency VisitBritain.

A 40-second advertisement showing York Minster against the cityscape along with landmarks from other destinations on the East Coast Mainline rail route, including London, Leeds and Newcastle, will be screened in the next few days by Tyne Tees Television and, later this month, on Yorkshire Television.

On the back of the promotion, York-based GNER is offering period return tickets from as little as £19 between London and York or Leeds.

The promotion underlines GNER's determination to continue with "business as usual" in spite of the Government deciding to put its East Coast Mainline franchise up for new tender.

The rail company is committed to continuing to run the franchise for at least the next 15 months.

It is unclear at this stage whether GNER's existing management will take seriously a suggestion by York MP Hugh Bayley to seek cash backing from the city to make its own pitch.

But all should be revealed by January 15, the deadline for expressions of interest, when former rivals for the franchise such as Virgin Rail, First Group and EWS rail freight are expected to throw their hats into the ring.

Meanwhile, the long-planned promotion designed to stimulate more passengers on GNER trains goes on.

The firm's spokesman, John Gelson, said: "We have fantastic products to offere both for short-term and long- term stays.

"It takes just one hour 42 minutes to get from London to York - easily within day trip or weekend visit range."

Amanda Smyth, marketing manager for Enjoy England, said: "City breaks are an ever more popular choice for Britons on holiday and eight of our our top ten destinations for overnight stays are cities.

"We hope our promotion with GNER will help raise awareness of the wonderful and surporising experiences that await visitors in their own country."