AN AUDIO book version of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol has gone on sale to raise funds for the town's festive lights and help push a seasonal festival for 2015.

Television presenter Selina Scott narrated a version of the famous Christmas tale after a rare copy of the book was bought at auction last year.

The 1844 book, which is said to have been inspired by Malton, was bought for £27,000 and brought back to Yorkshire after a fundraising campaign led by Selina.

It was originally a gift from Dickens to the widow of his friend, Malton lawyer Charles Smithson.

Trustees of the book are now selling the audio version with a 10% donation to the Malton Christmas Lights Fund.

They are also working on a wider project to get a Dickensian Christmas Festival up and running on the back of the success of one held in Grassington which is now in its 33rd year, although the town has no Dickens' connection.

Clair Challenor-Chadwick, from fundraising and marketing company Cause UK, who helped co-ordinate the campaign to secure the book with local businessman Stephen Joll, said they hoped a Malton Dickens festival would take place in 2015.

"If we have enough backing from the local community and shop keepers I am sure the Dickensian Festival will be a roaring success," she added.

" I am in the process of identifying suitable sponsors and we will piggy back on the existing infrastructure of the Malton Food Lovers Festival."

Earlier this month, the Gazette & Herald, announced plans by the television programme Songs of Praise to highlight Malton's connections with Dickens.

Producers are to spend a day filming in November and want the town to get on board by helping to create a Victorian-style atmosphere.

Roddy Bushell, manager of Fitzwilliam Malton Estate, which co-ordinates the annual Malton Food Lovers Market, said: "“The more events that can be held in the town, the better it is for the town’s businesses and the wider community as a whole.

"I am sure that Malton CIC would be delighted to help the revival of a Dickens Festival by sharing the experience gained through helping organise events such as the annual Food Lovers Festival and Malton Monthly Food Markets.”

The three CD Audio book contains a booklet of the story of the purchase of the book and the Dickens Gift Charity and costs £10, including P&P.

It is now available online at www.dickensgifttoyorkshire.com or via Malcolm Chalk, The Lanes shops, Selina's Sock Shop, The Counting House, Castle Howard shop and The Talbot reception. Copies will also be available at the Yorkshire Building Society in Malton.