A NATIONAL campaign to boost market shopping is coming to Hambleton next week.

Northallerton is playing its part in the Love Your Local market initiative on May 25 followed by Thirsk two days later.

Local market traders and independent retailers have rallied to support the initiative contributing hundreds of pounds worth of prizes for treasure trails to be held at the markets.

There will also be a range of special events – including music and dance acts - in the town centres on both days.

The trails will encourage people to explore the stalls and shops in the town centres by following a series of clues to complete the mystery phrase needed to be entered into a prize draw. There will be a trail for youngsters and a slightly more challenging trail for everyone else.

A full list of prizes and more details about the events can be found at hambleton.gov.uk/LYLM2013

  •  The council is also running a photography competition asking local photographers to submit pictures of their market and the high streets.

Sponsored by Grovers Foto Shop in Northallerton and JD Photography in Thirsk, a prize of 1,000 prints is on offer in each town to the winning photographer. More details can be found at hambleton.gov.uk/photocomp. Photographs must be submitted by May 29.