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 business 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 can be found at www.richmondshire.gov.uk, then search Small Business Grant Scheme.

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