A DALES town is being put on the map with new signs to welcome visitors in and thank them as they leave.

The signs are the first part of a £28,500 art trail through Bedale which has been created with the help of local schools.

Money to create the signs and the trail have come through Hambleton District Council from 106 funds which is paid by developers building new estates within the council’s boundaries. Over £3,500 has also been contributed through Hambleton's making a difference fund.

“The sign creates a very positive entrance to the town from the bypass and the banners will carry the themes through the Market Place to Masham Road.” said Yvonne Rose, Chair of Bedale and Village’s Community Forum. “We had to acquire an amazing number of licences and permissions to get the sign and the the art trail established so it is a relief to see it coming to fruition.”

Ms Rose said a steering group was established in 2016 to create the trail and local artists invited to submit ideas and Mr Tomlinson was appointed. He had previously worked on panels in the windows of the town's old assembly rooms and on community information boards.

His first task was to work with Bedale Primary and the High School along with Mowbray School to get ideas for the images and designs which have been used to create the signs and banners.