THE tourism capital of the north has launched a bid to be officially named as one of the most creative cities in the world.

York has announced its intention to bid to become a UNESCO Creative City of media arts.

The international Creative Cities programme is intended to help such cities share ideas on preserving and enhancing their cultural programmes and recognises cultural excellence in a number of creative fields.

Those that meet the necessary criteria are awarded a permanent, non-competitive title of Creative City.

The creative partnership York@Large is co-ordinating the bid, which will be submitted to UNESCO next summer, and is hoping to win the support and expertise of partners across the city in the process.

The city’s head of arts and culture, Gill Cooper, said: "York is intent on making the story of its future as compelling and internationally known as its past.

"Media arts and creative industries are the fastest growing section of York’s economy and will play a central role in shaping the city’s future.

"We already have a number of internally renowned media arts companies in the city and gaining UNESCO Creative City status would recognise and further develop the talent and expertise we have in York."

She added: "We know that culture plays an important role in renewal and future development -not only of York -but of other cities across the world, and we’re keen to be at the forefront of this cultural wave."