FAMILIES are invited to taken part in a fun hunt this half-term to find the “hidden treasures” in Malton and Norton.

More than 70 shops are taking part in the event, which has been organised by Totally Locally Malton and Norton.

Malton and Norton became Totally Locally towns in June – a scheme to encourage people to “love where they live”. The aim is to promote services shoppers have on their doorstep and the scheme has been supported by businesses in the two towns.

Emma Brooksbank, from the Totally Locally group, said it was hoped that promotional events would be held three to four times a year.

“The Totally Locally concept says, ‘Let’s work together to get people to understand what all our shops can offer and make our towns stronger so that everyone benefits’,” she said.

“If every adult in Malton and Norton spent £5 in the local independent shops which they would otherwise have spent online or in a major supermarket, the total would be worth an extra £2.6m to the local economy.”

Mrs Brooksbank said the FiverFest in June underpinned the “£5 Message” by revealing the wide variety of items that can be bought for £5.

“Following the success of the FiverFest, which we got a very good response to, we are now launching our second event with the family treasure hunt,” she said.

“This event will include an exciting trail around the two towns to find unusual items hidden in participating shop premises.”

The family with the most correct answers will win a family ticket for four at Malton’s Palace Cinema and a meal for four at The Yard, in Market Place, Malton.

Mrs Brooksbank said they were delighted with the number of businesses that were taking part in the treasure hunt.

“The idea is to involve the whole family, and to get everyone to find some ‘hidden treasures’ in Malton and Norton,” she said.

“The 71 shops taking part will each have an unusual object in their premises, and eagle-eyed treasure-hunters will need to find the object, and then ask for clues as to the next shop taking part.”

Treasure Hunt forms can be picked up from Malton library, in St Michael’s Street from Saturday.

Families have until Saturday, November 2, to complete the task and the completed lists should be handed in to Malton library or to any of the “treasure hunt” shops.

Mrs Brooksbank said: “We would like to thank Malton CIC for printing off the forms and showing its support for this Totally Locally project.

“As an added incentive, some participating shops will also offer discounts on their products during the event. A good opportunity to think about Christmas shopping, maybe.”

For more information, visit www.totallylocallymaltonandnorton.co.uk