Malton forged a host of happy memories for residents and visitors at the weekend as part of the town's first St Clement’s Festival.

The celebration of the ancient patron of blacksmiths and metalworkers, was the culmination of months of planning by Malton-based blacksmith, Piers Kendal-Edsall, a team of local businesses, the town council and St Michael’s Church, supported by Visit Malton, local venues, clubs and schools.

A spokesperson said: "Setting-up started in earnest on Friday, when local business owners gathered, garlands in hand, in the Market Place, to decorate an avenue of evergreen trees in an eclectic mix of styles and colours.

"One shop owner said it was a great social occasion; a chance to catch up with other local business owners who are busy all year.

"Saturday dawned wintery crisp and sunny; the ideal backdrop for the five local blacksmiths who toiled throughout the day, demonstrating their passion for their ancient craft.

"Several brave souls tried out the forge for themselves and created metal flowers to take home.

"The Smithys were joined periodically by Gilly of The Cooks Place, taking a break from her programme of themed in-house activities, to demonstrate fiery foodie creations on the forge; among them dirty steak with Chimichurri, damper bread and the firm favourite, forged Alaska with ice cream from Groovy Moo.

The spokesperson added: "Artists, sculptors and jewellers chatted from morning to dusk to hundreds of visitors about their passion for their art in The Milton Rooms and The Gallery. St Michael’s church was full to bursting, throughout the day for the packed music programme embracing local bands, choirs and the talented young participants from Kirkham Henry, Malton School and The Young Crescendos.

"As darkness fell, the 21 decorated trees, from Paleys of Malton, came to light and a large crowd gathered to follow storyteller and actor Toby Gordon on a trail around the town and themed sculptures, created especially for the occasion. Toby’s tales were followed by a procession of lantern-bearing, singing families, led by wandering musician and composer, Tom Leuan Jones, in a memorable rendition of ‘Twanky Dillo’, the blacksmiths iconic anthem. The day ended with an enchanted crowd transfixed by the dramatic forge-themed son et lumiere show on the church, to the strains of an anthem, composed especially for the Malton, St Clement’s Festival by Tom.

"Next year? Bigger and even better? Watch this space. The team are busy gathering feedback and suggestions, right now. "