A PARADE through the streets of Norton and Malton is set to be the highlight of the towns' celebrations for the Queen's Golden Jubilee.

Norton town councillors announced last night they were looking for volunteers to bring forward and implement plans for the national celebration this summer.

Town clerk, Roger King, said a number of ideas had already been discussed but at present there was a lack of leadership.

"There has been an idea put forward for a parade around the towns on the day," he said. "It needs someone with great organisational flair.

"We are in the middle of February now and there is not a lot of time left."

Town mayor, Keith Mennell, said that the main organiser, Tom Jones, needed help.

"He needs a team to back him up and help him carry out all that needs doing." Councillors agreed to set up a working party to collect together ideas and set about implementing them.

Ryedale district councillor Elizabeth Shields, addressing members during a break in proceedings during last night's meeting, said funding for projects were available.

"The district council is willing to put up a minimum of £500 towards 20 per cent of any activity," she said."

"Anyone interested should contact the council."

Other jubilee ideas include changing the name of the grassed area at Riverside Walk to Jubilee Park, said Mr King.

"The Reverend Bill Ankers, of St Peter's Church, in Norton, has offered to carry out a three-hour jubilee bell peal to celebrate the occasion," he said. Councillors backed the bell peal, but decided to contact local schools in a bid to launch a naming competition for Riverside Walk.

Updated: 11:46 Tuesday, February 19, 2002