COUNTRY markets in North Yorkshire will feature in a national campaign this month.

Ryedale District Council is promoting the eight markets in its area through the high profile, Love Your Local Market 2015 campaign, from May 13 to 27.

The campaign is led by the National Association of British Market Authorities, with full support from the wider markets industry and Government.

Ryedale will be offering free shopping bags with details of the weekly and specialist markets on, postcards for all customers and promotion on five Streetscene vehicles, to remind shoppers of the days and venues.

“There are four weekly markets in Helmsley, Kirkbymoorside, Pickering and Malton and four specialist monthly markets in Malton, Pickering and Hovingham,” said the authority’s economy and community manager Jos Holmes.

“They all contribute to our communities, not only as retail outlets for both regular stall holders and local charities, but also as valuable community assets that provide a focal point.”

The chief executive of the National Association of British Market Authorities, Graham Wilson, said: “Love Your Local Market is the biggest market event in a generation.

“It gives people the chance of a new career and demonstrates how important the market is to the local community.

“With the financial backing of the Government and our headline sponsor HMY Radford we intend to make Love Your Local Market 2015 the biggest and best markets campaign UK has ever seen.”