A GROUP dedicated to promoting a market town on the edge of the North York Moors has seen its membership swell by almost 55 per cent in a year.

Helmsley in Business, which was founded by two firms in 2012 with the aim of boosting the local economy, said its 18 new members included Lazenby Visuals, Helmsley Antiques and Interiors, Venetos and Red taxis.

Other members range from the Black Swan Hotel and Browns of Helmsley to English Heritage and the International Centre for Birds of Prey.

A group spokesman said members were determined to reverse the general trend of struggling high streets by uniting to support each other.

The group has undertaken work including developing a website for the town's traders to act as a shop window for potential visitors, improving signage, marketing activity and organising events to appeal to both locals and visitors.

It has also entered Helmsley into the market town’s category of the Great British High Street Competition.

Martin Jeffrey, who owns Helmsley Antiques and Interiors, said: “When we moved to the area two years ago we had in mind opening a shop, but for us witnessing at first hand the great work that Helmsley in Business does, it was a no-brainer to come to Helmsley and be a part of a supportive network, especially when high streets and retail seem on the decline."

For details, visit visithelmsley.co.uk