THE tourism capital of the north looks set to get a new multi-million pound attraction.

A scheme has been unveiled to celebrate York's history as a centre for the chocolate industry with the creation of a £2m confectionery-themed visitor attraction.

The Sweet History Of York, on King's Square in the heart of the city, will tell the story of the science and manufacturing of confectionery in the city.

It is the brainchild of the company Continuum, originally behind the famed Jorvik Viking Centre, and will create more than 30 jobs.

The proposal has been welcomed by city, tourism and business leaders and planning consent is now being sought.

The company is in talks with Nestle about the venture, which it hopes to open in spring next year.

Chief executive Juliana Delaney said specialist design companies were still working on the detail of the attraction, which will illustrate the city's trading and manufacturing legacy.

"It is early days but we are having conversations with Nestle. We cannot disclose what these have been about but they have been positive. Nestle are important to York and that's why we started with them," she said.

If it gets the go-ahead the attraction will include retail space and a cafe and be spread over three floors totalling 6,400 sq ft.