A NEWLY-ELECTED leader of a small market town has pledged to work for its growing reputation as a tourist destination.

Andy Burrell went to this week's meeting of Masham Parish Council, unaware that chairman John Ellis was standing down.

But Mr Burrell left the as the new chairman after being the only nomination to fill the post.

Coun Burrell, 52, a well-known market trader, said there was virtually zero unemployment in Masham, thanks to two breweries, two feed merchants, a large prepared food outlet, along with other key businesses, including many small ones.

"Masham is becoming a nucleus for small businesses and has increasingly become a popular tourist destination and we would like to promote that as much as possible," he said.

Coun Burrell said he wanted the parish council to continue working alongside others in the community, notably the Mashamshire Association of Tourism and Trade.