CAFE culture is gathering momentum in a corner of North Yorkshire, as proposals for a new venture are put forward.

Plans to convert an empty shop in Malton Market Place into a modern bar have been submitted to Ryedale District Council after the former kitchen store closed down six months ago.

Architect Roy Gibbs said the idea would be to develop a light and airy space with a continental caf feel to it.

He said: "It will be bringing people into the market place and then keeping them there. The decor is going to be very modern, but not too modern that it frightens off the older customers. In the evening the demand will mean a change to more of a bar."

Earlier this year, brother and sister David and Patti Harrison opened their restaurant, Tuddle Lane, in the Market Place.

And members of the local Croft community for disabled adults recently relaunched the Kingfisher Caf, in Saville Street, after a complete makeover.