A North Yorkshire tourist town has launched a huge fundraising drive for a signpost to tempt motorists off the A1.

A campaign to get Masham signposted off the motorway has been fought ever since the town's brown tourism signs were removed during the major upgrade of the road.

Businesses and residents responded by creating their own giant direction sign in a field to try and lessen the impact of the loss.

Many local firms said they have noticed a 30 per cent decline in business since the removal of the official brown sign.

On one day in Masham recently - when three weddings were held in the area - more than 100 guests were said to have missed the junction.

Harrogate Borough Council ordered the temporary sign's removal last year, saying it did not have permission and was illegal.