INDEPENDENT businesses in a North Yorkshire town have joined forces with a housing developer to let visitors and residents know what the town has to offer.

Helmsley in Business and Wharfedale Homes will partner up in 2017 to welcome new residents to the town with support and information. The homebuilder will support the group’s marketing and distribute its brochure.

The business group was set up with the aim of encouraging local business growth in Helmsley and making it a vibrant place to live, work and visit.

The group has been so successful it last year won Britain’s Best Market Town in the Great British High Street Awards.

Wharfedale Homes are currently building properties in the Helmsley.

Carolyn Frank, chair of Helmsley in Business and owner of the town’s Libby Butler Jewellers, said: “We see this as a win-win situation. We are grateful to have Wharfedale Homes as the developer working in Helmsley, as they are sympathetic to the feel of the town and the development will grow gradually over three years.

"Much as we don’t want to over develop the area, there is a shortage of housing which needed to be addressed.

"Obviously there will be new people moving into the town, so we are keen to integrate them into Helmsley as residents and potential business owners or employees. So it makes sense to work together to ensure people get the famous warm Helmsley welcome, feel part of the community and are aware of the amenities on their new doorstep."

Chris Patmore, managing director at Wharfedale Homes added: “Helmsley in Business work tirelessly to enhance what the town has to offer to both residents and visitors. Last year’s Visit Helmsley brochures did a fantastic job at attracting visitors. We are pleased to support the project for 2017 and to drive more and more visitors to the area to discover what a wonderful town it is."