A TOWN council is showcasing the best in its community by celebrating successful people and businesses at its annual parish meeting.

The Best of Bedale is the theme of the meeting which is being held in the Drawing Room at Bedale Hall on May 2 at 7pm.

Every year the authority presents an award to a member of the community, nominated for their outstanding contribution to the town. The name of the recipient is kept secret until the presentation is held.

Mayor Cllr Christine Mollard will also present a round up of the year’s events and highlights and introduce three local business leaders who will give presentations about their work.

These are Nigel Parkin from Upstairs at Institution, an increasingly popular place to enjoy food and fashion. He will share the podium with Karl Mason, co-founder of the highly acclaimed Masons Yorkshire Gin, based in Bedale and Sandra Anderson who manages the Millings Residential care home in the Old Rectory, next to St Gregory’s church, which was awarded an “Outstanding” rating by the Care Quality Commission, one of very few given to care homes across the country.

Cllr Mollard said light refreshments will be on offer for the free event and the council is hoping as many people as possible attend to support the town.