A TOWN manager has issued a rallying call to businesses to help raise £50,000 for a series of events and festivals.

Geraint Williams says he wants to drive Northallerton forward and has warned business leaders not to get complacent about the health of the town's economy.

He is hoping to raise the money for projects, including a Northallerton website, a town guide and a number of events.

He is offering businesses three different sponsorship packages to get the promotional drive off the ground.

Twelve major businesses in the town are being asked to pledge £1,000, 150 medium-sized businesses are being asked for £250 and ten small businesses are being asked for £50.

Sponsors will be included on a new Northallerton Town Talk website and in a Christmas publication and town mini-guide. Their names will also be displayed at upcoming events, including a farming festival, youth music event and a Christmas market.

Mr Williams, who was appointed town manager last November, said: "Northallerton is a great town with a healthy economy, but it can change overnight. I have seen it happen elsewhere. We cannot afford to be complacent and stand still - we must keep moving.

"We want to retain the personal feel that is one of the town's great strengths. People like coming here because it is not a plastic town.

"But we also need to look at the type of things people want. Large retailers are better suited to the major retail parks, but people go there maybe once a month. We want Northallerton to offer people something every day.

"I want to drive this town forward with festivals and promotions and really bring people here from miles around, but we have to get started. We don't have time to just talk about it."

He has also outlined plans to encourage civic pride among young people. He has proposed a competition for schoolchildren to design banners, to be displayed from lamp posts in the High Street.

Anyone interested in getting involved can contact Mr Williams at his 66 High Street office or on (01609) 772000.