A campaign to keep Masham 'on the map' is a step closer to success after the Department for Transport agreed to allow brown tourist signs to the town off the recently upgraded A1(M).

Transport Minister Mike Penning has accepted the community's request for signs to the town and Wensleydale, but he will not be providing funding.

Skipton and Ripon MP Julian Smith said: "After a long campaign, I am delighted that the Government has overturned the outdated and anti-growth regulations to ensure Masham is clearly signposted off the upgraded A1(M).

"Directing tourists to Masham and Wensleydale is vital for the town and the area's economy and this campaign has been one of my priorities since I became the Member of Parliament.

"As the Minister has said he is unable to fund the signs, I am forming a community taskforce to work with the Highways Agency to find the funds so that these vital signs can be installed as soon as possible. I am determined that when the upgrade opens later this year, we will have our new Masham signs in place."

Over the last 18 months, Mr Smith has taken the campaign to Westminster by raising the issue in the House of Commons, meeting the Transport Secretary and having discussions with Ministers and the Highways Agency.

In Masham, Councillor Flo Grainger has organised several meetings and presented a petition signed by dozens of local businesses to show the strength of feeling about the brown signs.

She commented: "This is fantastic news and I am thrilled that Ministers have accepted our arguments that these signs are vital for bringing in visitors to Masham and Wensleydale. I look forward to seeing Masham once again signposted off such a key route."

Julian Smith is inviting those interested in joining the community taskforce to a meeting at Masham Town Hall on Wednesday 15 February at 5.30pm.