A MARKET town has been given a pat on the back a year after launching a major push to promote the town and combat fears over a new bypass.

Since March last year retailers and town leaders in Bedale have worked together to spruce up the Market Place, clear litter, stage events, encourage visitors and set up business group Brand Bedale. It came after concerns the town’s new £42m bypass would hit trade.

Hambleton's Vibrant Market Towns officer David McKnight told Bedale town councillors the area was doing "remarkably" well.

He said: “Bedale is getting a reputation for great events - the autumn festival, the Christmas festival, the reception for the Tour de Yorkshire. We are hearing good news coming out of the town. One of the key things is how well everyone works together and people are really noticing, you should be very proud.

“The town is well placed to concentrate on experiences. Pubs and cafes change hands but they don’t close down. There are more and more leisure businesses. There is also a high proportion of independent businesses.Hardly a week goes by when people don’t say how well the town is looking."