Organisers of Beverley’s new heritage and tourism initiative, the Medieval Guilds and Crafts Trail, have announced leading independent house builder Peter Ward Homes as one of its first major business sponsors.

The Trail, which has been five years in the development, will be a permanent celebration and acknowledgement of the town’s medieval guilds and craftspeople when it officially opens next year.

The decision by Peter Ward Homes to award £5,000 to the project is a major coup for the organising committee. Its vice-chairman, Duncan Jack, said it was great news and a huge boost for the sponsorship effort.

Beverley man Peter Ward, whose company will next year celebrate its 30th anniversary, is a keen supporter of community initiatives. He said: “I’m confident the trail will quickly become a major heritage and tourist attraction for Beverley and we’re very proud to be one of the first sponsors from the business sector.

“Since Peter Ward Homes has always strived hard to protect the standards of trades and workmanship within the building industry, it was very appropriate for us to agree to support at least one of the Trail’s main features.”

He added: “We looked at several of the key sites along the Trail before agreeing to sponsor a sculpture-based display to be positioned at the Beckhead. It’s a busy location for both vehicle and pedestrian traffic and close to the Flemingate redevelopment area.”

In all, the Trail will have a total of 39 landmarks, including stand-alone sculptures, pavement carvings and plaques representing a walk-round documentary of the town’s historic medieval guilds and craftspeople. It is set to be publicly launched next year along with a revival of the Beverley Mystery Plays.

The Heritage Lottery Fund has awarded the Trail a grant of £149,500 while a further £120,000 has been raised from various funding sources, including the East Riding of Yorkshire Council and community groups.