BT'S new-look phone book will start dropping through letterboxes this week - and homes in North Yorkshire will be the first to get it.

The telecoms giant has redesigned the directory listings for the first time in 20 years.

For the first time the new book contains classified and traditional A-Z listings in one volume. Officials say the book makes it easier for customers to find the services they want.

The new book, introduced following BT's acquisition of the classified on-line directory Scoot in July 2002, will be delivered to over 138,000 homes and businesses in the York area this week Residents in the York area are the first in the country to receive the new and improved BT Phone Book which, for the first time, contains classified and traditional A-Z listings together in one book.

After almost 20 years since the traditional A-Z listings phone book was launched by BT, the book has been re-designed so people can now find information about businesses, ranging from plumbers to florists, in the same place as residential and business numbers listed by name and address.

The launch also follows the introduction of 118500, the new and improved 192 service, in December last year.

The 118500 service, which will run alongside 192 until it is phased out on August 31, gives callers access to A-Z and classified information as well as a Cinema and Film Finder service and details on TV listings.

Paul Elliot, general manager, BT Directories, said: "The BT Phone Book was first introduced in 1984 and it has been a market leader ever since - our research has shown that 72 per cent of people who own the Book use it on a regular basis."

"This new book is now the most comprehensive source of local business information in the York area - people can quickly look up the number they need whether they know the name of contact or not. So whether you are looking for your friend's phone number or a plumber in Clifton, the BT Phone Book is the only book you need."

BT produces 162 Phone Books covering all areas in the UK.

Following the introduction of the new format book in York, BT will roll out further editions across the country throughout 2003. The Southampton, Southport and Burton editions are the next to be introduced in February.