The man who started a festive Victorian Market which turned into a major tourist attraction is stepping down from his post.

John Todd, of Masham, near Ripon, in North Yorkshire, has retired from his role as the town market's superintendent after 15 years.

The 68-year-old - dubbed Mr Masham - saw the potential in organising an annual market of yesteryear just before Christmas in 1986.

But he had no idea it would become an event attracting thousands to the market town, eventually developing into one of the most popular Victorian fairs in North Yorkshire.

Now, after spearheading the event, Mr Todd says it's time to hand the role on to someone else.

He is hopeful that Masham Chamber of Trade will step forward to play a key role in the organisation, and says he has enjoyed all the hard work in establishing the venture as a real crowd-puller.

Recent fairs have included indoor and outdoor market stalls, penny farthing bikes, period costumes, decorated business premises and a fairground. It started with just 35 market stalls.

The latest venture attracted 60 stalls with a multitude of other attractions, including a torchlight procession through the town.

Mr Todd, who will continue his role as Masham's town crier, which he took up two years ago, said: "It's time for me to step down from the Victorian event and I am hoping someone will step forward. I will always be willing to give advice to anyone who takes on the role because I've got Masham at heart."

Apart from attracting local people, recent fairs have seen visitors from Birmingham, Durham, Newcastle, Leeds, Wakefield and Huddersfield.