LOCAL churches have launched a new initiative telling people what Norton has to offer and how much they care about the town.

As part of Love Norton 14, the churches, which include St Peter’s, Trinity Methodist, Bethel Methodist, the Salvation Army, Elim Ryedale and Malton Baptist, want to let residents and businesses know what they can offer them, as well as organising events to bring the community together.

Reverend Rachel Hirst, from St Peter’s Church, in Langton Road, said on behalf of the group: “This is an opportunity to take pride in our community and to celebrate our life together.

“We want it to be fun, but also to meet real needs.

“We also want to publicise what we already do for children and families and for older people.”

Rev Hirst said they planned to distribute a newsletter giving details of what was coming up, including a treasure hunt around the local churches on April 6 and a community fun day in June.

“If anyone has any ideas of what we could do then contact a local church leader or member of a church,” she said. The first event is a concert with John Gaughan, formerly of Herman’s Hermits, but now a minister in Driffield, at Trinity Methodist Church, on Saturday, February 1, at 7pm. Entry is free, but donations are requested.

This will be followed on Friday, February 21, with an evening of entertainment with the comedian Bobby Ball at St Peter’s Church House, at 7.30pm.

Tickets are £5 and available by phoning 01653 699961.

For more information about the scheme, go online at www.lovenorton14.wordpress.com or Facebook lovenorton14.