THE campaign to save Terry's has won backing from... the Terrys.

Peter Terry and eight other members of the Terry family have signed up to our petition, which calls for the famous chocolate factory to remain in the York area.

Mr Terry, 85, of Brandsby, near Easingwold, a former deputy managing director and sales director, is the last surviving Terry who managed the York chocolate factory.

He said he had not known at first whether or not to sign the petition, as people might think he was biased.

"Of course I am, but hoping that every little helps, I am sending it on to you," he said.

"Thank you so much for operating the petition. I only hope it succeeds and I wish you the best of luck."

The other Terrys signing up to the petition are Carin, Julian, Robert and Diana, all from Brandsby, and Lucinda, Anthony, Michael and Charles, who live in London.

Meanwhile, scores of signatures for our petition are still arriving each day, from York and also from all over the world via this website. Many people are also making it clear they intend to boycott both Terry's and Kraft products in protest at the closure decision.

Roy Elwen, of Sunderland, said: "I've had my last Chocolate Orange." Marc Stimson, of Mosman, New South Wales, Australia, said: "The only reason I won't eat other chocolate is because Terry's comes from York. Change that, and I may have to change my brand!"

Geoff Seavers, of Galtres Road, York, said that if Terry's of York was closed, it would not get any more "bottom line contributions" from him - "i.e. no more Chocolate Orange gifts for my children or relations and I'll be asking them not to buy any more Kraft products for me."

Graeme and Penny Thomas, of Fetter Lane, York, said: "The sad truth of globalisation is that the moment economic factors swing against supporting a company which has been taken over, then they are ditched.

"Kraft should be doing all it can to release Terry's under new management which can ensure its survival."

Diane Carter, of North Canterbury, New Zealand, said: "It would be a shame to see another York icon close."

Updated: 08:37 Wednesday, May 05, 2004