MALTON was full of seasonal cheer last weekend with a two-day Christmas Food and Gift Market.

A variety of festive stalls selling food, drink and gifts filled the town’s Market Place and the Milton Rooms on Saturday and Sunday.

Tom Naylor-Leyland, director of Visit Malton CIC, said: “Malton was certainly the place to be for finding those unique gifts on your Christmas lists, like homemade wreaths, pies, chocolate displays, leather goods and homewares.

“The Funtime Express train toured the Market Place and the rides on the helter-skelter were a must for families, plus the Christmas choir filled the town with traditional carols, and both the Malton White Star Band and Festive Brass kept the crowds entertained with festive tunes. It was great fun for all.”

The resident shops in town said they also benefited from the event, with some reporting that their sales were up 25 per cent on their previous best.

Jim McMillan, from McMillans of Malton, said: “It was our busiest day ever trading in town.

“I know many of the shops in town made the most out of being a part of the event; it was such a fantastic opportunity for sales and really shows how the many events organised by Visit Malton have such a positive impact on local businesses.”

Chris Welford, managing director of YO Bakehouse, said: “For us, Saturday was the second-best trading day on record, and Sunday was not far behind.

“The market definitely drew a strong crowd and people were full of festive cheer.”