Members of the Malton and Norton Fairtrade steering group have celebrated the renewal of their Fairtrade Towns status.

Members were joined by the Mayor of Norton Di Keal and Deputy Mayor Martin Brampton.

The celebrations included a chocolate cake made with several Fairtrade ingredients and decorated with Fairtrade Maltesers.

A spokesperson for the group said: "Malton and Norton have now had Fairtrade Towns status since 2008. The celebration was held in the Friends' Meeting House during another successful Fairtrade and Local Craft Fair. Our next stall will be during the May Food Festival in St Michael's Church, many thanks to the Church for hosting us."

The Fairtrade Town group was formed in March 2006 on a suggestion from the Churches Together Leaders group with members from businesses, local projects, local councils and churches.

In September 2008 after canvassing local councils, shops, cafes, businesses, voluntary organisations, schools and churches to pledge commitment to Fairtrade, Malton & Norton was awarded Fairtrade Town status.

Since the group has successfully renewed its Fairtrade status every two years.