SMALL businesses have received a cash boost thanks to a grant scheme which awarded more than £120,000 over the last four years.

In the latest round of donations, eight Richmondshire businesses shared £7,220 through the district council’s Small Business Grant Scheme.

Among the successful ventures are a woodworkers, gymnasium and dance school.

The cash will pay for an apprentice at a barbers, and will help a Richmond-based graphic designer with the cost of a new website.

Councillor Ian Threlfall, deputy leader of the council, said: "This scheme provides small grants to businesses that need a helping hand. These latest awards show how diverse those businesses – and the help – can be."

The Small Business Grant Scheme offers businesses a maximum of £1,000 each.

The cash is split into pots for the five areas of Richmondshire – Central, Garrison, Lower Wensleydale, North Richmondshire and Upper Dales.

The pot still holds £25,000 which businesses can apply for, with the next awards expected after February 1.

Application forms at richmondshire.gov.uk, then search Small Business Grant Scheme.

For more information contact Samantha.Coultish@richmondshire.gov.uk