Nine community and voluntary projects in the Upper Dales have been given a £10,000 cash boost.

The Upper Dales Area Partnership is supporting everything from sport, scout and performance groups to Christmas lights and a local newspaper.

“It is great to see this money being used to benefit our residents and local communities,” said Partnership Chairman, Councillor John Blackie.

“We are supporting nine projects, with a focus on those helping younger people, and those adding value to what already exists in the Upper Dales. All the projects that won grants had one universal theme – to make the Upper Dales an even better place to live in.”

The Young People’s Live Performance Group was awarded £1095, there is £500 towards a new mess tent for Swaledale Scouts; and £3400 towards the capital cost of the sports pavilion under construction at Carperby.

Offering grants to the Reeth Gazette for new printing equipment, for extra IT provision at Hudson House and to the Christmas Lights Festival in Hawes reinforces the long term future of these established organisations and events.

Funds for a community Guy Fawkes bonfire in West Burton, an informal car park in Thoralby and snow clearing equipment for Bainbridge completes the project list.

The Partnership is also to launch a website for members of the community as well as all Parish Council clerks to improve two-way communications at grass roots level.