YORK has been named Best City For Architecture in the world a major travel awards.

The Traveller Readers’ Travel Awards, run by travel publication Condé Nast, also named York third Best UK City - behind first place London and second place Edinburgh - this week, in a competition which saw cities from across the world take part.

The annual awards recognise the best hotels, destinations, organisers, airlines, cruise lines and spas around the world, as decided by their readers, and City of York Cllr Nigel Ayre, executive member for culture, leisure and tourism, said the awards were well deserved.

He said: “I am pleased that, once again, York has been recognised for its beauty and charm which underpins the character of the city.

“Condé Nast is an esteemed travel publication and by having their readers vote York the ‘Best City for Architecture’, and also place York third in the hotly contested ‘Best UK City award’, truly reflects what our wonderful city has to offer. Of course, it is our residents who make the city a special place and I hope everyone can take pride in what York has achieved.”

Council leader Ian Gillies said: “As the UK’s first Gigabit City, this recognition of York’s remarkable historic offer testifies to the city’s ability to protect and promote our heritage whilst pursuing state-of-the-art solutions for our residents and businesses.”

Andrew Waller, deputy leader of the council, said: “York offers a rich tapestry of architecture across the ages from the impressive York Minster, to the quaint Shambles and more contemporary buildings. It’s great for this unique city to be recognised on the international stage.”

Steve Brown, managing director of Visit York, said: “In the last few months, York has been voted the UKs ‘most festive city’, has been recognised as the UK’s ‘most popular city’ and has been declared the ‘best place to live’ by The Sunday Times. This latest accolade, for architecture is another fantastic endorsement of the city.”