NEW signs are pointing visitors and local people in the right direction in one Yorkshire Dales town.

A scheme of fingerposts around Northallerton town centre as well as new entrance signs have been installed through a unique partnership of businesses, local councils and community organisations.

The Northallerton and Villages Community Plan Forum oversaw the project which has seen six fingerposts pointing out key facilities including the train station, visitor information point, hospital and the Hambleton Forum.

Cash for the £25,000 scheme has come from Hambleton District Council, North Yorkshire County Council and regional development agency, Yorkshire Forward. Northallerton Town Council is taking on maintenance of the signs.

"We have had a great deal of assistance from all the authorities to get this scheme off the ground," said Forum Chair, Sally Anderson.

"Local businesses were also keen to see the town promoted with businessman Simon Bailes providing money to create a new town logo - which is now prominent on the entrance signs. A wide range of people have pulled together to achieve this project - it is fantastic to see project ideas coming from the community actually being delivered."

And former Northallerton Mayor, David Blades, added: "Northallerton has some excellent assets and these signs are now pointing them out - we hope that will improve visitor's perceptions of the town and help them get around.

"There is a real sense of achievement amongst the people who have helped with this project - and it shows that ideas from local people can actually become a reality."

• Sally Anderson is pictured with (from left to right) District Councillor Tony Hall, Simon Bailes and Councillor David Blades.