YORK is a very special city. And this is perhaps never more so than at Christmas, when the St Nicholas Fayre and a host of other attractions fill our streets and bring both locals and tourists flocking in to our bustling city centre.

It has not always been plain sailing, however, when it comes to lighting up the old town for the festive season. Ever-increasing demands on both council and business cash have meant that for several years the issue of Christmas lights has been a fraught one in York.

As a newspaper, The Press has always supported any efforts to get the city lit up as it should be, to create the best Christmas atmosphere possible.

We ran two Christmas lights campaigns which generated money towards the festive displays in both 2004 and 2005.

But now City of York Council has come up with a new and exciting idea which we are delighted to support.

A Children's Magic Tree in Parliament Street, with ever-changing coloured lights, would draw youngsters like a magnet and provide a seven-metre-high festive focal point for the city centre.

The council believes that, like last year's Minster lighting scheme, the display would be an original and charming way to brighten York.

No other place in Britain will boast a Christmas tree like this if York can raise the £21,000 needed.

We think people in York are proud of our very special city. We urge them to subscribe to this exciting plan to make it extra special for Christmas 2006.