Eight community and voluntary projects in Lower Wensleydale have been given a £6,000 cash boost.

The Lower Wensleydale Area Partnership is supporting a wide range of projects - including the Leyburn 1940s weekend, a young people’s performance group, and a green energy project in Wensley.

Both the Leyburn over 50s and the Middleham over 60s groups - which provide a much needed support system for vulnerable members of the community – also get grant aid.

And a reading room and computer project in Constable Burton; and Leyburn scout and guide hall received money to help with ongoing work.

Councillor Fleur Butler, Chair of the Lower Wensleydale Area Partnership said: ‘It’s fantastic to see this money being used to benefit our local community groups. We’re helping to support local projects which may have ceased had they not received funding.

“The money awarded ensures that they can now carry on the good work they are already doing and make the Lower Wensleydale area an even better place to live.”

She said the partnership is looking to improve the economic prosperity of the area, particularly Leyburn and Middleham. It is hoped that projects such as developing a brand and identity, producing a themed website and maximising marketing opportunities, will have a significant impact on the two market towns, but also benefit the surrounding villages as well.

It is one of five partnerships set up by Richmondshire District Council covering Central Richmondshire, the Upper Dales, Catterick Garrison, North Richmondshire and Lower Wensleydale.

They have been set up to address local needs and issues and aim to involve communities in decisions affecting them, identify priorities for the local area and deal with any local concerns or issues residents may have.

Each Area Partnership has a dedicated pot of money to spend on community and voluntary projects as well as projects looking to address the partnership priorities.