MALTON and Norton town manager Peter Mudge is leaving after a failed attempt to get support from businesses for a Yorkshire Forward scheme to boost their economies.

The twin towns had been put forward by the regional development agency as a pioneering project under which more than 500 local businesses would have contributed up to £750 each for five years to promote Malton and Norton.

But the idea was rejected - and now Malton and Norton Initiative says it can no longer afford to employ Mr Mudge.

He says he hopes to remain in town centre management in another part of the region.

The initiative's offices in Castlegate, Malton, will be closed later this week.