VISITORS to York are guaranteed to see snow in one of its most picturesque streets this Christmas.

The Shambles, in York, will be covered with the white stuff for the festive season after The Shambles Area Traders’ Association reached its target of raising £2,899 to install up to a dozen snow machines.

They will be secured in windows overlooking Shambles on Thursday nights when late night shopping takes hold.

Phil Pinder, who runs Cuffs & Co and is chair of the association, said: “As a street of independents we’ve never really done late night shopping, so the idea was to appeal to locals and tourists alike to visit Shambles and give us a reason to open late.

“Everyone’s feeling fairly festive about everything that’s happening, so we’re hoping it will be the best Christmas ever for Shambles.”

From Thursday, parking will be free at the Piccadilly car park between 3pm and 9pm every Thursday and Friday until December 22, and an extended park and ride service will be in operation.

Once installed, the machines will be in use between 4pm and 8pm every Thursday until Christmas.