Residents of the twin towns of Malton and Norton will soon be watched over by the imposing eye of Roman emperor Vespasian, after the towns' forum approved the design for the Malton and Norton marque.

The idea to have a marque to promote the two towns dates back several months, and was first suggested by the Town Initiative - a group committed to improving the vitality of both Malton and Norton town centres.

Discussions on the design have been going on since the summer, but organisers settled on the image of Emperor Vespasian because of his strong links to the area - his family 'liberated' it from the barbarian Brigantine tribe - and also because of his strong, charismatic features.

Now, as the forum has approved the design, it is set to be displayed in many different places in the Malton and Norton area, possibly including a huge sign welcoming visitors to the towns from the A64.

The idea to use Vespasian's image came from an earlier meeting of the town forum, where members agreed the marque should be based on the Roman heritage of the two towns. Following this, members of the Town Initiative visited the Ryedale Museum, where an ancient coin bearing Vespasian's head immediately stood out.

Town manager Gerry Fitzhenry said: "I feel the image does an excellent job of summing up the characteristics, culture and attitudes of the area.

"Living in this area, we have got to be proud, and even arrogant to a degree, if we want the area to grow as we would wish. We think the head combines those two elements superbly."