Ryedale Council's community services committee tomorrow is being recommended to back plans for two weekend continental markets to be held in the town this year – at the end of August and in the run-up to Christmas.

The idea has come from committee member and council vice-chairman Di Keal, who is also a member of the Thrive group of Norton and Malton residents who work to promote the two towns.

The plan is for Liverpool-based Traditional Markets Ltd to run the venture. Traders from France, Holland, Belgium, Germany, Italy, Poland, Turkey and Spain, wearing local costume, will sell authentic local produce ranging from garlic and pates to handbags, bread, paella, jewellery and chocolates.

The company, which has six years' experience of operating markets, makes no charge, but has requirements which include a good town-centre location, power supply, street cleaning, dedicated parking for traders' vehicles and pre-publicity.

It says benefits to the host town are that the market adds "life, colour and vibrancy to the street scene", provides "wider economic value to existing retailers, hotels, restaurants and other commercial and visitor attractions" and raises the profile of markets.

A report to the meeting says the existing market operator has no objection and suggests the continental market be in the square in front of St Michael's Church. Proposed dates are August 30 and 31 and December 12, 13 and 14.