Masham’s tall stone buildings have made it a popular town for the swift, a bird which nests in the eves and for many is the soundtrack of summer evenings with its distinctive screeching call.

The large open shape of Masham’s Market Place makes the perfect arena for their highspeed frantic circling and in the summer months the swifts take full advantage of this.

The town has celebrated its summer visitors by creating 10 sculptures styled after these wonderful birds and an accompanying map for visitors.

Pick up a copy from the Masham Tourist Information Point, and seek them out yourself, the perfect theme to a wander around this beautiful dales town, and a great way to discover its charming streets and shops.