AN organisation set up to help revive a North Yorkshire market town's flagging economy is claiming it has made significant headway in its first 12 months.

The new millennium began badly for Richmond, when the floods of 2000 washed away the town's Mercury Bridge, severing the main road to Catterick Garrison.

The local business community estimated it lost millions as shoppers from the British Army's largest base went elsewhere rather than following diversions to other crossings over the River Swale.

The foot-and-mouth crisis followed in 2001, while another abysmal summer last year did not help in enticing tourists back to the town.

However, Richmond Town Centre Forum launched a campaign to attract new retailers to the town in March this year and is claiming to have driven down the number of empty town centre shop units from 19 to ten.

The long, hot summer has also helped boost tourism, with a 20 per cent increase recorded between April and September.

"We want Richmond to be an attractive location for retailers. One year ago it was difficult to give a visually attractive proposition to prospective retailers,'' said town manager, Colin Grant.

"Now, thanks to retailers moving into the town and initiatives such as the Georgian Theatre Royal refurbishment, we are pleased to have a more vibrant and attractive town centre with far fewer empty units.

"We are continuing to work hard to attract more quality retailers into Richmond and firmly believe, with visitor numbers up and the town looking more alive, we will continue to see development.

"It's been a great summer season and many of the retailers have had the best year they can remember," said Mr Grant.

Another project introduced this year was the Richmond Retail Excellence awards, which aim to recognise businesses which have made a real effort to offer quality service.

The competition will now be held every year to help create competition among shops and businesses and to help generate improved customer service.

Richmond also hopes to build on a recent survey which placed the town in the top ten areas to live in the UK.