A RETAIL and business group set up to promote Northallerton is inviting all local traders to an informal social event next week.

Northallerton Retail & Business Forum will meet for its first social event at Barkers’ 1882 Café & Bistro on Thursday, from 6pm. Drinks and light refreshments will be served.

Organiser Gareth Dant, a PR consultant based in the town, said: “After all the hard work before Christmas, we thought it would be a great idea to just get together for a bit of a network. We’ve also got some good news to announce.”

Anyone with a business in or around the town is welcome to attend, but Mr Dant said the group was particularly keen to see retail businesses well represented, whether they were independents or national chains.

Those wanting to attend are asked to phone 01609 765149.