BUSINESS angels with a difference will descend on a North Yorkshire town next weekend.

Small Business Saturday will be marked on December 3 in Helmsley with a heavenly host of fun events, including the launch of a month-long Angel Festival.

Businesses will be working together to create fun, games and activities for all the family from 10.15am until 3.15pm, and Ryedale District Council has reduced charges at the Cleveland Way car park to all day for only £1.50.

Highlights include animal displays, brass bands, choirs, a temporary ice rink at the Black Swan Hotel, fancy dress, rides including a Christmas Pudding ‘rodeo’ and swing boats, games, and food tastings.

To launch the town’s first Angel Festival there will be a special #helmsangels competition, where people are invited to dress up or decorate their bike, mobility scooter, wheelchair or pet in an angel theme to win prizes.

A town-wide search for a missing angel – Rory – also encourages visitors to snap a selfie with the cheeky chap, and send it to the town via social media (@VisitHelmsley) for the chance to win.

Collections are also starting for the second phase of a campaign to help Ryedale Food Bank replenish its stock for the winter. Donations of soup, sponge puddings, tins of potatoes or instant mash, UHT Juice, tinned meat, toiletries and hot water bottles will be gratefully received at any Helmsley in Business member.

Entry to the event is free. For information go to visithelmsley.co.uk