THOUSANDS of pounds worth of grants are now available to businesses, individuals, communities and organisations in the region to help support rural services, culture and heritage projects.

The grants are part of the £2.336 million of European funding being provided through the North York Moors Coast and Hills Leader Programme.

Amy Thomas, Leader programme manager, said: “A number of great projects have already been supported by the initiative but we would now really love to see a new range of exciting projects come forwards which both support our rural communities and help others appreciate, care for and celebrate the fantastic landscape in our area.”

The programme area covers the North York Moors National Park, the Howardian Hills, the Vale of Pickering, the Hambleton Hills, East Cleveland and the Heritage Coast from Saltburn to Filey.

The Leader Programme executive group are keen to see applications that will achieve economic benefits as a result of the project, such as the creation of new employment opportunities, the generation of increased revenues or profit or an increase in the number of visitors.

Applications can be accepted from new or existing businesses, community organisations, charities and public sector organisations.

In addition to rural services and culture and heritage projects, applications can also still be accepted under the existing farming and forestry productivity, rural tourism and micro and small business development priorities.

All funding would need to be spent by September 2018.

Full details can be found at www.moorscoastandhills.org.uk

The North York Moors, Coast and Hills LEADER area covers the North York Moors National Park, the Howardian Hills AONB, the Vale of Pickering, the Hambleton Hills, East Cleveland and the Heritage Coast from Saltburn in the north to Filey in the south.