YORK'S first restaurant week will take place during the first week of April.

As part of the event, city centre eateries will offer special fixed price menus from £10 to tempt diners to try new dishes.

The scheme has been launched by York Business Improvement District (BID) and will only feature city centre venues during its first year, but could be extended in the future.

Chris Bush from the BID said: “We all have our favourite restaurants, and often people return to the same ones time and time again, missing out on the other exciting dining options available within walking distance. The participating restaurants are keen to showcase their food and ambience, with some great offers to tempt first time visitors in, and encourage them to return with friends and family.

“We had a good response to our initial survey asking what restaurateurs and managers would want from York Restaurant Week, and we’ve now opened applications for any city-centre venue wishing to take part."

Speaking in December, BID director Andrew Lowson said: “I think York has got more of a reputation for food and it’s not surprising if you look at the quality of the food offering. And if it can get people into the city who would not normally be coming, it should also help other sectors.”

Businesses interested in taking part should email chris.bush@theyorkbid.com by February 17.