MALTON’S ambitions to be a leading food tourism destination have been improved following £100,000 of investment from the town’s Community Interest Company (CIC).

Malton Amenity CIC, which was set up in 2011, works with and for the community of Malton, Norton and the surrounding area and is responsible for running the annual Malton Food Lovers Festival.

During the CIC’s last financial year, October 1, 2016 to September 30, 2017, it has invested £100,000 in the town, funded primarily by donations from Fitzwilliam Malton Estate and The Earl Fitzwilliam Charitable Trust.

Tom Naylor Leyland, director of the CIC, said: “Malton is demonstrating just how a community can come together to drive the continuous development, enhancement and prosperity of a town. It’s fantastic to look back on 2016/17 and all the positive work that the community has achieved to position Malton as one of the UK’s most desirable food destinations.”

Highlights from the 2016/17 year include the support given by the CIC to local causes, with nearly £10,000 donated to groups including the Ryedale Book Festival, Malton and Norton Pride Awards, Malton Town Council’s Christmas Lights, Ryedale Special Families’ Snowflake Disco, the Easter Eggstravaganza, the Dickens Festival, the Encephalitis Society, the Milton Rooms’ Musical Memories, Malton Museum, The Kirkham Henry Performing Arts Centre as well as the installation of new welcome signs, in partnership with Malton Town Council and The Rotary Club of Malton and Norton.

The CIC also provides free parking in the Market Place, which cost the CIC £30,000 in 2016/17.

In 2017, Malton celebrated its most successful Food Lovers Festival, featuring food writer and journalist Prue Leith and celebrity chef Levi Roots, and attracting tens of thousands of visitors. Street Food Sundays were launched by Malton CIC in June 2017, bringing a new alfresco dining experience to the town. While working with the Talbot Hotel, the CIC also launched food tours in 2016.