CALLS have been made for the remains of Richard III to be reburied at York Minster.

It was revealed earlier this week that what is believed to be the skeleton of the longdead monarch, who has close connections with North Yorkshire, has been discovered by archaeologists under a car park in Leicester.

The find has still to be confirmed, and scientists are carrying out investigations, including DNA tests, to confirm the identity.

Godfrey Bloom, the UK Independence Party MEP for Yorkshire and North Lincolnshire, wants the king to return to Yorkshire soil.

He said: “He was the last Yorkist king, and if DNA tests confirm his identity, which I suspect they will, I think it is only right that he should be interred in York.

“As a keen member of the Richard III Society, I have a particular interest in this subject.

His memory has been maligned for far too long and he should be laid to rest in peace in York.

“I feel so strongly about this that I have written to the Dean and Chapter in York and hope very much that they will agree with this idea and help bring it to fruition.”

Richard III was killed at the Battle of Bosworth in 1485 and was hurriedly buried in a church on the site, which is now the car park.

He spent much of his youth at Middleham Castle, visited York several times during his short reign.

his son Edward was crowned Prince of Wales at the Archbishop’s Palace, behind the minster.

Richard had even planned himself to be buried at York Minster – a radical ambition as English monarchs were traditionally interred at Westminster Abbey.

Mr Bloom’s call was echoed by historian and Tory MP Chris Skidmore, who wants a full state funeral if the remains are his.

Mr Skidmore, author of a book about Bosworth, said Richard could be laid to rest in Westminster Abbey, alongside his queen, Anne Neville, or in York Minister.

It is expected that the remains will be interred in Leicester Cathedral, which worked closely with the archaeological team from the local university.

The Dean of Leicester – who becomes the Dean of York in December – is the Very Reverend Vivienne Faull, who said Leicester was the only cathedral with a memorial to the king and was the focus for remembrance, particularly on the anniversary of the Battle of Bosworth.