A MARKET town is hoping its annual festival will boost the local economy after months of malaise brought on by the foot-and-mouth crisis.

Middleham, in the Yorkshire Dales, was virtually a ghost town in early May when the crisis in Wensleydale was at its height.

Even the castle was closed, and the racehorse stables were forced to cancel the open day which pulls in the crowds from across the country.

But the Middleham Festival goes on, with the first events planned for next Wednesday.

Another ten days of mixed entertainment follow, planned to appeal to all tastes.

A highlight should be a medieval banquet at the town's church, on Thursday, July 5, with actor Michael Bennet playing King Richard III.

Opening night entertainment will be provided by The Oddsocks Theatre Company, which visits to perform Shakespeare's Othello, while East Witton Church hosts an evening of inter-active drama with Graffiti Classics next Thursday.

Away from theatrics there are silver bands, steel bands, guided walks, lectures, exhibitions, workshops, markets and even a dog show to look forward to.

Full details and programmes are available from Domus, in the Market Place, or by telephoning (01969) 623497.