THE festive season got under way in Helmsley and Pickering at the weekend.

Helmsley celebrated Small Business Saturday, which coincided with the launch of the town’s first angel festival.

Highlights included book signings, brass bands, choirs, a temporary ice rink at the Black Swan Hotel, fancy dress, rides, including a Christmas Pudding “rodeo” and swing boats, games and food tastings.

Carolyn Frank, chairman of Helmsley in Business and owner of Libby Butler Jewellers, said: "We were blessed with great weather this year which helped to make the event a success, but it was all the lovely residents and visitors who came to the event that made it have a really special atmosphere.

"We are so lucky to live and work in Helmsley and to have such an active volunteer community - Small Business Saturday is all about keeping 'spend local', whether it's shopping, dining or services, or just supporting local initiatives and organisations, and we truly celebrated that on Saturday, with the whole town involved.

"Our angel festival will continue all month and the fantastic support from supporters and customers both near and far is truly appreciated by our businesses all year, so it's not just thanks for Saturday, but to our loyal 'Helmsley fans' for keeping Helmsley in Business motivated."

In Pickering, the town’s Christmas lights were switched on also on Saturday. There was also a tree blessing and carol singing, plus a free raffle draw with various prizes from local businesses.

Music was provided by the Stape Silver band and Pickering Infants School choir, along with Minster Strays Morris dancers.

Phil Hall, landlord of the Black Swan and a member of Pickering in Business group, who have organised the event, said: “The switch on went well with a much better turnout than previous years. It was a great start to the festive season in Pickering."