YORK Wasps and the Evening Press are today joining together to ask for your help in securing the future of professional rugby league in the city.

We want to bring the city together in a common goal - to show that support for York Rugby League Club is still going strong after 100 years.

Together with the Wasps, we are asking for help in turning Sunday's derby clash with Hull Kingston Rovers into a real gala occasion.

Instead of pleading for money, all we are asking is for local companies, organisations and individuals to offer their services free of charge at Huntington Stadium on Sunday.

Face painters, street entertainers, local bands, bouncy castles, firework displays, sales of rugby league programmes and memorabilia - anything at all which will help to bring the crowds flocking back to the stadium.

If you think you can help, or know anybody that can, then your club needs you now. They have less than a week to come up with the cash to stave off a winding-up order so this could be the last chance for the people of York to make their point.

Supporters can do their bit too by wearing their colours with pride and turning the terraces into a sea of amber and black.

Chief executive Ann Garvey today revealed the club's future is looking slightly brighter following "favourable discussions" with a potential saviour yesterday.

But even if they are rescued from their current plight, the time has come for the York public to prove that they want professional sport in the city.

Anyone wishing to help or who has suggestions for Sunday's game, should ring the York Wasps office on 01904 634636 or Dianne Hillaby at the Evening Press on 01904 567137, e-mail dianne.hillaby@ycp.co.uk