THE late county, district and Northallerton town councillor Tony Hall once remarked how he would have liked to see an organisation like The Clock in every town.

He would have been delighted to see how the Thirsk-based charity has gone from strength to strength over the last year, honing the provision of its skills and freeing itself from the shackles of time-restricted grants by launching a fundraising arm.

The charity has more than proved its worth, regularly gaining plaudits from influential visitors alongside the support of the residents of Thirsk. Thirsk’s mayor would not appear to be making any sort of overstatement by describing The Clock as a “national centre of excellence”.

The accolade it has received is wonderful recognition of the transformational work of Abigail Homer and her team, but also highlights the superb services available in Thirsk and a vast expanse of North Yorkshire. Overcoming the limitations of short-term grants and expanding its services during an era of limited funding has been a remarkable achievement.

Privately, those receiving some of the services previously provided by the county council have said they have improved in recent years.

In an area consisting market towns and a sea of villages, it is crucial that people, and in particular those who cannot drive, can access key services. It is vital that it receives backing from the wider area it now serves.

Anyone linked to the charity and voluntary sector will testify to how funding sources have dried up in recent years, so events being planned to bolster its coffers need to be well-supported.