THE MAYOR of a Norwegian city has been in York in an effort to strengthen links and develop tourism and business.

Mayor Harald Furre led a delegation from Kristiansand as they visited city leaders and education providers on campus at York St John University during the two-day visit on Monday and Tuesday.

York St John hopes to develop relationships with the University of Agder, which has a campus in the southern Norwegian city, while City of York Council (CYC) took the opportunity to discuss a wide range of topics, including culture, tourism and heritage, digital and technological expertise and important urban regeneration projects.

Both cities boast thriving tourism industries, with Kristiansand considered the number one holiday city in Norway and York welcoming 6.9 million visitors per year.

York St John currently offers a popular Study Abroad and Exchange programme and Mayor Furre and current exchange students joined York's Lord Mayor, Cllr Keith Orrell and the civic party for lunch on campus on Tuesday.

Vice chancellor, professor Karen Stanton, said: "York is recognised as one of the UK's most popular cities in which to live, work and study.

"International students enrich their learning with us, enjoying the beautiful and historic surroundings the city offers and the friendly and aspirational environment here at the University.

"We are looking forward to building a long-lasting international partnership with our guests."

Lord Mayor, Cllr Orrell, added: "It's always a pleasure to welcome people to York and we were delighted to host the delegation from Kristiansand and Agder University.

"It was fascinating to learn more about the work they've been doing and to share best practice in areas like digital innovation, urban regeneration and culture."