A RYEDALE businessman who has opened two successful fashion shops in Malton since moving into the town six months ago, and this week launched a new enterprise, scooped the award for entrepreneur of the year for the twin towns of Malton and Norton.

Derek Allan, who runs EGO fashions and The Mission in Yorkersgate, has now set up another venture, EGO Promotions, which specialises in events management. "We arrange everything from bouncy castles to trips on Concorde," he said.

As well as running the fashion shops, Mr Allan received praise for master-minding the competition to find a fashion model last autumn, and the youth fashion show which was staged as part of the Christmas shopping promotion.

Mr Allan said: "I have had marvellous support from the people of Malton and Norton since opening the shops. It has been very encouraging."

He moved to Malton with his wife, whose family live in the area, and the couple now have a baby.

"The shops have exceeded all my expectations."

Mick Gains, the town centre manager, said: "He has made a great contribution to Malton's town centre shopping."

He won the award of £350 and a trophy for attracting new customers and visitors to Malton and Norton through the fashion promotions.

The awards, held for the first time this year, were run by Malton and Norton Town Centre Management Ltd, and attracted 28 entries.

In the retail section, the winner was Doreen Eastwood of Chanticleer, the fashion shop in Wheelgate, who won £100 and a trophy for having the most attractive window displays.

The food award of £100 and a trophy for the enterprise demonstrating a commitment to raising food standards went to Simon Robertson, of Leonie's coffee house, in Wheelgate.

The environmental award was won by Frank Newlove for the street cleaning commercial service at Ryedale District Council.

The trophies were presented by County Coun Geoff Rennie, chairman of North Yorkshire County Council, and the cheques by Keith Hardcastle, manager of HSBC in Malton which sponsored the awards, and has agreed to back them again next year said Mr Gains.

The aim of the awards, he said, was to encourage business and community entrepreneurship in Malton and Norton to improve the commercial and social vitality of the towns.

Mr Gains said the judges were impressed with all the entrants, but there could only be one winner.

He said everyone was looking forward to the awards continuing for years to come.

"It was a first class event, very well attended with a real air of optimism and enthusiasm.

"Watch out York businesses because Malton are coming up with some exceptional talent."

Updated: 10:09 Thursday, February 14, 2002