HELMSLEY unveiled “The Knit before Christmas” during its second annual Festive Fun Day.

Knitters from across the area had been meeting in secret to create colourful Christmas decorations made out of wool, which were put up around the Earl of Feversham’s monument in the dead of night.

The 'festive yarn bomb' display included a knitted nativity scene, snowmen, Christmas lights, pompom wreaths, more than 80 miniature Christmas trees, bunting, falling snow, stockings and even festive bench covers.

The Festive Fun Day saw crowds flock to the market town to get in the mood for Christmas, with businesses reporting a noticeable increase in trade from the event, which coincided with Small Business Saturday.

Entertainers dazzled visitors with everything from a Suitcase Circus and a traditional Bavarian accordionist, to the Swinging Santas band, who jazzed up the shopping experience.

A special ice rink was constructed outside the Black Swan Hotel and other activities included a dog fancy dress competition, songs from the community choir, a visit from the Ryedale Lions’ Santa and a Children’s octopus ride.

Activities also included a photograph treasure hunt, a wishing tree, Christmas wreath making, food and drinking tastings and competitions and raffles galore and the Scarborough & Ryedale Mountain Rescue vehicle made an appearance.

Helmsley's third annual Christmas Tree Festival was also launched at All Saints Church. Open daily, from 10am to 4pm, the festival sees more than 30 trees individually decorated by organisations in the town along the theme of ‘An Iconic Christmas.'

Tony Webster, owner of Scotts Fish & Chips, and committee member at Helmsley in Business, which organised the event, said it was a resounding success. "We are all delighted," he said.

"It brought so many people into the town, locals and visitors alike, many of whom made a weekend of it, and they all got a very warm welcome.

" It was wonderful to see families having such fun, and there was something for all ages, from the very young to the more mature visitor! We’d also like to take this opportunity to thank Ryedale Council and Welcome to Yorkshire for their support."