THE travel trade has confirmed what we already knew. York, one-time capital of England, is still the best.

Forget crowded, aggressive London: York is number one, according to the group travel industry.

This follows the city's Most Group Friendly award last year.

All comers, from women's institutes to stag and hen parties, feel at home in York.

That we can make so many people feel so very welcome is a tribute to both tourism staff and residents.

When it comes to friendliness, however, York will always beat that southern city hands down.