A newly-formed business organisation has declared Menston the “best village in Yorkshire” as it begins its campaign encouraging the community to support local businesses.

The group has chose to adopt the name Menston Business Association (MBA).

MBA aims encourage mutual support among village businesses and promoting support of local businesses to the residents of the village.

The name, a logo, and the slogan ‘The Best Village in Yorkshire’ were agreed last Wednesday, and now work is to begin on a leaflet promoting local businesses, which will be distributed to all households in Menston.

Christine Minchella, who runs The Studio pilates studio, is to chair the committee, and other committee members including Andy Creer of Ribston Pipin Estate Agents, plumbing and heating engineer, Nick Cahill, Marc Hill of Menston Co-op, Zandra Monre-Cochran of Kindercare, and village website webmaster Roger Livesey will act as ex-officio publicity officer.

A section of the village website menstonvillagewharfedale.com is now devoted to the MBA Activities and developments of the group, including minutes of meetings and announcements of activities, will regularly be updated online.

At last week’s meeting, the Menston businesses present were delighted to welcome Roger Charnley, secretary of the Burley and District Chamber of Trade (BADCOT) who gave the meeting the benefit of 11 years of experience gained since BADCOT was formed. He promised further support to the Menston group as necessary.