TWO business ventures are enjoying success in a Ryedale market town.

Tui's caf bar and Thai restaurant, Yorkersgate, Malton, has attracted 9,000 diners in only six months.

It has been so successful that it now employs 15 full and part-time staff.

Manager Jim Myhill said people came from all over Ryedale, the East Coast and Leeds to dine.

Newly opened in Yorkersgate is Flutter, a wedding and occasions planning business, run by Tracy Burleigh, 32, of Haxby, York, who spent two years working from home as a wedding co-ordinator.

"With the cost of weddings now estimated at between £11,000 and £22,000, a personal wedding co-ordinator is extremely cost effective and can often save the bride and groom money," said Tracy.

"That's why my business - one of just a few like it in the UK - is growing."

Roddy Bushell, estate manager at the Fitzwilliam Estates, which owns the two premises, said: "Both businesses highlight the strength of Malton as a retail attraction. They are specialists in their field and run by local business people."

Updated: 11:20 Friday, July 22, 2005