HELMSLEY in Business is celebrating welcoming 18 local enterprises as new members during the last year.

The group, which now has 51 members, was founded by two local business owners at the start of 2012 with the aim of encouraging businesses in the rural town to work together to promote Helmsley as a whole.

The latest new members of Helmsley in Business (HiB) include Lazenby Visuals, Helmsley Antiques & Interiors, Venetos and RED taxis, which are all based in the Market Town.

The owner of Lazenby Visuals, Chris Lazenby, opened his gallery and bespoke framing facility in July. He said: "HiB seemed like such a good opportunity to join a community of like minded people. Everyone seems to work hard, not only at their own business but also helping to promote each other."

Mr Lazenby has already formed a working partnership with fellow new HiB member Helmsley Antiques and Interiors.

Martin Jeffrey, who owns Helmsley Antiques and Interiors, said: "For us witnessing at first hand the great work that HiB does, it was a no-brainer to come to Helmsley and be a part of a supportive network, especially when High Streets and retail seems on the decline.

"We have already been actively involved and made some great contacts, including Chris at Lazenby Visuals. It doesn't matter what we ask him to do - ranging from framing authentic motor-racing posters to antique African arrows, he always produces a fantastic job."